If you forgot to indicate that you can be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return, you must file an amended return to correct the error. Here’s how to fix it:
Steps to Amend Your Tax Return to be Claimed as a Dependent
1. Access the Amended Return Section
- Log in to your account.
- Access your return
- Navigate to the “Amended Return” section in the left-hand menu.
- Pay the required amended return fee to unlock detailed instructions and editing capabilities.
2. Correct the Dependent Status
- In the left-hand menu, go to Basic Information > Personal Information > Additional Personal Information.
- Locate the checkbox that states, “Taxpayer can be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return.”
- Check this box.
- Click Continue to save your changes.
3. Amend State Returns (if applicable)
- If your state return was also affected, return to the “Amended Return” section and follow the prompts to amend your state return.
Steps for the Individual Claiming You as a Dependent
If someone else intends to claim you as a dependent, they may need to take additional steps:
- Typically, the IRS can take up to 12-16 weeks to fully process an Amended tax return. This means you may want to consider printing, signing, and mailing your return as you may receive a rejection electronically due to conflicting information.
Filing Your Amended Return
- Current-Year Federal Returns: You can e-file your amended federal return directly by selecting "Continue" in the "Amended Return" section.
- Prior-Year Federal or State Returns: These must be printed, signed, and mailed to the appropriate tax department.
Correcting this error promptly ensures your tax return accurately reflects your filing status and avoids potential issues with the IRS.