What if my dependent claimed himself?

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
March 20, 2025
4 replies
40 views

He is 16 and filed claiming himself but then did an amendment saying his parent will claim him. But this seems to be causing my return where I claim him as a dependent to be rejected. How do I solve this so I claim him and get the full child tax credit for him?

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AnnetteB6

Level 15

Until his amended return showing that he will be claimed on someone else's return has been processed by the IRS, your return will continue to be rejected when trying to electronically file. Unless he is getting an additional refund by filing the amended return (which is unlikely), you will not know when it has been processed.

There is not a perfect method to remedy your situation without just continuing to electronically file until it goes through, but there are a couple of options.

You could remove him from your return and file to get at least a portion of your refund quickly and then amend your return later to add him back as a dependent.

Or, you could include him as part of your return and file your return by mail, including a copy of his amended return.

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xmasbaby0

Level 15

Usually your best remedy for this very common problem is for you to file by mail. Your son made a very common mistake as a first time tax return filer. Sadly it is a mistake that messes things up for parents. He will have to amend after his own return has been fully processed, but meanwhile, since he has put his SSN into the system any attempts you make to e-file using his SSN are going to be rejected this year. Print, sign and mail your return that claims him as your dependent.

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s. Use a mailing service that will track it, such as certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**