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New Member
posted Feb 27, 2023 10:37:29 PM

What if my son filed his taxes before I did and mistakenly didn't check he can be claimed as a dependent? Can I still claim him somehow cuz it's rejecting my return?

What if my son filed his taxes before I did and mistakenly didn't check he can be claimed as a dependent? Can I still claim him somehow cuz it's rejecting my return?

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24 Replies
Level 15
Feb 27, 2023 10:42:33 PM

file your tax return on paper via US Mail.

That's the only way.

@pauldrumm76 

Level 15
Feb 27, 2023 11:12:20 PM

also, your son needs to file an amended return once his is fully processed to indicate they he could be claimed as a dependent. otherwise, even mailing in your return will create issues and correspondence from the iRS because the IRS won't know if it's proper for you to claim him. 

New Member
Mar 5, 2023 9:07:18 AM

Can I file my return without claiming him and then once his amended return is processed amend my return to get the remaining refund for him. This way I could go ahead and get part of my refund now?

 

New Member
Mar 5, 2023 9:08:57 AM

By the way just so all information is current he has filed his amended return and it has been accepted it's still rejecting mine though with claiming him that is

Level 15
Mar 5, 2023 9:11:59 AM

@pauldrumm76 Do not waste your time waiting for the IRS to process your son's amended return.   That will take months.    His SSN has been put into the system for this year, and that will not change any time soon.   Print, sign and mail your own tax return that claims your son.   You will not be able to e-file this year.

 

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 UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.

Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses.  Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.

New Member
Mar 5, 2023 9:22:56 AM

My question is though I think it will let me e-file if I don't claim him as a dependent now but then couldn't I amend and claim him later on? I mean the way I see it there's three options. Either 1) don't claim him get 4,000 e-file (quickest ) 2) file a paper return and wait substantially longer I'm guessing 6,000 return. 3) don't claim him get $4, 000 e-file quickest and then after received return amend for him as a dependent for the other 2000 in the distance future. With option 3 I can get the majority of my refund now while still getting the rest later in the year?

 

Level 15
Mar 5, 2023 9:41:44 AM

It takes the IRS six to nine months to process amended returns.   If you want to file your return without your son claimed as a dependent now so that you can e-file now, you can do that, but be mindful of how long you will realistically wait for the amended return you will file later will take to be processed.

Level 15
Mar 5, 2023 9:44:37 AM

go ahead and try it.

your e-Filed 1040-X (in the distance future) with this dependent may be REJECTED also, then you would have to mail it in.

@pauldrumm76 

Level 2
Apr 13, 2024 1:26:50 PM

This exact same thing happened to me. Filed his taxes first and didn't tick that box. Now mine have been rejected. We literally just filed them. Is there no way to amend his to correct the dependency so that mine then go through? Goes from a $1567 fed refund to a $66 federal owe. It's crazy!

Level 15
Apr 13, 2024 1:29:26 PM

No.  You will have to mail your return this year even if he amends his return.  So you don't have to wait for his amended return to process.  Whose refund changed?  His or yours?  Yours should not change.  

Level 15
Apr 13, 2024 1:30:19 PM

@sweetsuzyq His tax return will have to be amended to change his dependency.  It will take the IRS 20 weeks or longer to process the amended tax return.

 

You will have to print and mail your tax return, keeping him as your dependent on the return.  The IRS will process your tax return as received without regard to your son's return.  You cannot e-file your tax return.

 

See this TurboTax support FAQ for how to print a return for mailing when using the online editions - https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/printers-printing/print-mail-return-turbotax-online/L5bwuqXGy_US_en_US?uid=luygr3xy

Level 2
Apr 15, 2024 11:03:46 AM

@VolvoGirl when I changed my return from having a dependent other to NOT having any dependents, it changed from being a $1567 fed refund to me owing them money.

New Member
Oct 1, 2024 8:49:02 AM

I am encountering the same issue. I know about the amendment but my question is: 

If I remove my daughter from my dependents for 2023, can I reclaim her in 2024? 

Level 15
Oct 1, 2024 9:10:02 AM

even if you remove the dependent from your 2023 return, on their return, they must indicate they can be claimed at a dependent. if they didn't mark that box they must amend their return. 

if the person qualifies as your dependent for 2024, there is no reason that you couldn't claim her

Returning Member
Jan 27, 2025 3:17:35 PM

Do I have to fill out all the information on the first page of the 1040-x  or do I just fill in the explanation of changes and add my daughters birth certificate? 

Level 15
Jan 27, 2025 3:20:45 PM

@Piscesmommy02 You are adding on to a long old thread that has had no activity for several  months and we have no context for your question about a birth certificate, etc.  What are you trying to do?  Please explain completely without personal information.

Expert Alumni
Jan 27, 2025 3:22:24 PM

You need to fill out all of the information on the 1040X and include the 1040 with all of the changes made so that it appears as it should have been filed.

 

@Piscesmommy02 

Returning Member
Jan 27, 2025 3:40:41 PM

The only change on her return is that she is a minor and should be my dependent.  This was the first time she received a W2 and I filed incorrectly.  

Returning Member
Jan 27, 2025 3:41:51 PM

I still fill out everything on the form even though she should have filed as my dependent. I’m sorry! I’m so confused 

Level 15
Jan 27, 2025 3:50:18 PM

@Piscesmommy02 You have not explained ----but I am reading between the lines enough to take a good guess at what happened.

 

You have a dependent who had a job, filed a tax return and on the dependent's return, the dependent did not mark that they could be claimed as someone else's dependent?

 

Then you tried to e-file your own tax return claiming your dependent, and your e-file was rejected?

 

The remedy is for you to file your own tax return that claims your child by mail.  You can still claim your child.  You cannot e-file.

 

Your dependent is the one who must prepare an amended return on a Form 1040X.   On that form they have to change the way they answered the question in MY INFO that asked if they could be claimed as someone else's dependent.

 

No need for birth certificates, etc.   Then MAIL the amended return to the IRS.   Your daughter's refund will not be affected.

Level 15
Jan 27, 2025 3:53:45 PM

If this is all for tax year 2024-----the 1040X your daughter needs is not available yet. It will not be available until late February or even early March.

 

But you can file your return by mail any time----no reason or need to wait for your daughter to amend.

Returning Member
Jan 27, 2025 3:59:26 PM

Yes it is for 2024.  Do you think I should mail the 1040X form now or wait?    When filling out that form do I have to fill out the front of page or do I just give the reason why it needs to be amended (on second page)     Thank you so much for responding!!!!!!!! 

Expert Alumni
Jan 27, 2025 4:00:14 PM

If you get an IP Pin from the IRS, you can include it on your tax return and you will be able to e-file the return.  @Piscesmommy02 

 

It will take 4 to 6 weeks to get the IP Pin, but you will be able to e-file your 2024 if you get the IP Pin.   Create an IRS Online Account, which is the first step to get an IP PIN, and allows taxpayers to securely access their tax return and account information.

 

Claiming duplicate dependents with an IP Pin

 

For those unable to create an Online Account, alternative methods are available, such as in-person authentication at a Taxpayer Assistance Center. More information is available on how to sign up at Get an identity protection PIN (IP PIN).

Level 15
Jan 27, 2025 4:06:13 PM

@Piscesmommy02   No you can not file the 1040X amended return yet until it’s ready in mid February.  But you can file your own return now by printing and mailing it.  You don’t have to wait for her return to get amended.