Married Filing Separately - My spouse e-filed before me and accidentally claimed me as a dependent so my return was rejected. Can he change his, so I can e-file again?

[bkdamkr]

My spouse accidentally checked the box on his return that "Someone can claim your spouse as a dependent."  His return was accepted.  I then e-filed claiming my daughter as a dependent and my return was rejected.  As I understand it, this was because I can't claim my daughter as a dependent if someone else has claimed me as a dependent - or in this case, said that someone could claim me as a dependent.

How can I get my return accepted? Can he e-file an amended return correcting the mistake so that I can e-file mine again, and have it accepted?

[IreneS · Accepted solution]

Your spouse should amend his return, removing you as a dependent.

However, the IRS does not support e-filing amended returns--they must be printed and mailed.  It takes the IRS around 16 weeks to process your amended taxes.  You can track your amended taxes with the IRS tracking tool, Where's My Amended Return

Even after the amendment is processed, it may take a while for the IRS computer to register the change.

You should print and mail in your return.  Include with it a copy of your spouse's amended return showing the change in dependent.  You will not be able to e-file your return.