If you are claimed as a dependent on another tax return, you are required to report this to the IRS.
How do I enter this on my return?
- Basic Information - from the navigation bar
- Personal Information
- Additional Personal Information
- Check the box indicating the individual can be claimed as a dependent on someone else's return
- An additional question will appear, you must answer yes if you have been claimed as a dependent.
What happens if I do not indicate I can be claimed?
- Your return will be rejected if someone has claimed you and you did not indicate it.
- The taxpayer claiming you will have their return rejected if you file with out making this indication.
When being claimed as a dependent on another tax return, your standard deduction is limited as well as the Earned Income Credit and the Education Credit.
What if someone has claimed me, be but they were not eligible to?
If someone has incorrectly claimed you, it may cause your return to be rejected. You will be unable to electronically file since the IRS system will require you to indicate you can be claimed. You will need to print, sign, and mail your return to the IRS for processing. Visit Summary/Print to print your prepared return. The IRS mailing address can be found here.
If the person who claimed you did so in error, they will need to file an amended return to remove you as a dependent. If the person who claimed you did so fraudulently, you may also need to contact the IRS to report identity theft.