SS benefits for children

[f1nzleft]

I just realized that I included my children's social security benefits (survivor) on my last couple of tax returns as income.  How do I fix this?  Do I need to file amended returns for each of the years I included their benefits as income? Neither child have jobs/additional income other than the benefit payments.  

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

Yes,  you need to amend.   Your children's SS benefits were not supposed to be included on your own tax return.

Do not enter the SSA1099 for your child on your own tax return.   Someday if the child has other income  (after school job, etc.) and is filing a tax return, for that tax year he will need to include the SSA1099 on his own return.  Until then, it does not get entered anywhere.

See this TurboTax support FAQ for amending a tax return - https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-return/amend-change-correct-return-a...

Do not expect quick results from amending. It can take four months or more for the IRS to process an amended return.  

You can watch for information here:

https://www.irs.gov/Filing/Individuals/Amended-Returns-(Form-1040-X)/Wheres-My-Amended-Return-1