If someone else claimed your dependents inappropriately, and if they file first, your return will be rejected if e-filed.
The children would fall under the qualifying relative criteria since they did not live with you more than half the year.
Relatives who don't have to live with you.
A person related to you in any of the following ways doesn't have to live with you all year as a member of your household to meet this test.
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Your child, stepchild, foster child, or a descendant of any of them (for example, your grandchild). (A legally adopted child is considered your child.)
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Your brother, sister, half brother, half sister, stepbrother, or stepsister.
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Your father, mother, grandparent, or other direct ancestor, but not foster parent.
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Your stepfather or stepmother.
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A son or daughter of your brother or sister.
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A son or daughter of your half brother or half sister.
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A brother or sister of your father or mother.
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Your son-in-law, daughter-in-law, father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law.
You would then need to file a return on paper, claiming the dependent appropriately. The IRS will process your return and send you your refund, in the reasonable time. Shortly (up to a year) after that, you'll receive a letter from the IRS, stating that your dependent was claimed on another return. It will tell you that if you made a mistake to file an amended return and if you didn't make a mistake, do nothing. The other party will get the same letter you did. If one of you doesn't file an amended return, unclaiming the child, the next letter, from the IRS, will require you to provide proof. Be sure to reply on time.
If you entitled to claim a dependent you would get the tax benefits.
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