What if somebody already claimed my dependent?

First, make sure you entered your dependent's Social Security number correctly.

Then, if you know who claimed your dependent, ask them to amend their return by removing the dependent. If the other taxpayer is uncooperative, the IRS will eventually contact both of you to figure out who gets to claim the dependent.

In the meantime, you may need to paper file your return if your e-filed return keeps getting rejected.

Beginning in 2025 (tax year 2024), the IRS will start accepting tax returns even if a dependent has already been claimed on a previously filed return provided that the primary taxpayer on the second return includes a valid IP PIN.

If you don't know who claimed your dependent, it's possible that somebody filed a fraudulent return using your dependent's info. If you think this might have happened, see What to do if you suspect identity theft.