Son wasn't recognized as a dependent in 2020

[rlrm]

Hi there, despite claiming our son (born in March 2020) as a dependent during that filing, he wasn't recognized. It was stated on our 2020 tax return that we only had one dependent instead of two (we have an older daughter as well). We think this was due to the misspelling of this name on his social security card which we've since fixed. We also missed out on stimulus checks that he would've qualified for during 2020. We tried contacting IRS and had no luck trying to fix this - we were never able to speak to anyone.

How / can we make note of this in our filing for 2021? 

A) to make up any missed stimulus checks (we received one for him which in itself is strange, just to receive one...)

B) are we able to include in this year's filing that we had two dependents last year but only one was recognized?
OR:

How do you suggest we appeal our 2020 tax return?

Thank you!!

[Opus 17]

Do you mean that you claimed your child and the IRS changed your return and removed the child?  Or was the child never claimed at all?  Print or review the PDF of the tax return you actually filed.  Do you have one or both children listed on your form 1040 for 2020.  What box is checked in column 4?

[rlrm]

Thank you for replying. We listed both children on the form. The boxes were checked under (4) child tax credit.

When we received our return, it was noted that they could only verify one dependent, and we received a letter saying we could dispute this which we tried to do as per their instructions but we were never able to get a hold of anyone. (We were given a number to call.)

[Opus 17]

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@rlrm wrote:

Thank you for replying. We listed both children on the form. The boxes were checked under (4) child tax credit.

When we received our return, it was noted that they could only verify one dependent, and we received a letter saying we could dispute this which we tried to do as per their instructions but we were never able to get a hold of anyone. (We were given a number to call.)

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For 2021, claim the children you have and hope for the best.  Use the name and SSN currently on their SS card or on file with the social security administration, even if it's wrong and you need to change it (do that after you get your refund).  There is no mechanism to correct this 2020 problem on your 2021 return. 

For 2020, I'm afraid you need to keep trying to contact the IRS at the number they gave you.  Or, try the Taxpayer Advocate. https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov

Filing an amended 2020 return is likely to cause even more complications due to the PATH act requirements.  You need to follow the path they gave you.