Dependents can affect your filing status, tax credits, and deductions. If you need to correct dependent information, update an existing dependent, or remove a dependent from your return, you can do so from the Dependents / Qualifying Person section of the program.
What Is a Dependent?
A dependent is a person you may be able to claim on your tax return, such as:
- A child
- A stepchild
- A foster child
- A sibling
- A parent
- Another qualifying relative
Claiming a dependent may make you eligible for certain tax benefits, including:
- Child Tax Credit
- Credit for Other Dependents
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- Head of Household filing status
Only claim a dependent if the person meets IRS dependency requirements.
When Should I Edit or Remove a Dependent?
You may need to update a dependent if:
- The dependent's name was entered incorrectly.
- The Social Security Number (SSN), Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN) is incorrect.
- The date of birth is wrong.
- The relationship to the taxpayer was entered incorrectly.
- Residency or citizenship information needs to be updated.
You may need to remove a dependent if:
- The person no longer qualifies as your dependent.
- The dependent was added by mistake.
- Another taxpayer is claiming the dependent.
- The dependent information was duplicated.
How Do I Enter This in the Program?
Step 1: Navigate to the Dependents Section
Navigation:
Federal > Basic Information > Dependents / Qualifying Person
Steps:
- Open the Basic Information section.
- Locate Dependents / Qualifying Person.
- Select Add/Edit.
You will be taken to the Dependents or Qualifying Persons screen, which displays all dependents currently entered on the return.
How Do I Edit a Dependent?
Use these steps to update existing dependent information.
Step 2: Select the Dependent to Edit
Navigation:
Federal > Basic Information > Dependents / Qualifying Person
Steps:
- Locate the dependent on the summary screen.
- Select the three-dot menu (⋮) beside the dependent's name.
- Select Edit.
Step 3: Update the Dependent Information
Review and update any information that needs to be corrected, including:
- First name
- Middle initial
- Last name
- Suffix
- Date of birth
- SSN, ITIN, or ATIN
- Relationship to you
- Citizenship or residency status
- Number of months lived in your home
- Marital status
- Dependency-related selections
What Information Should I Verify?
Before saving changes, verify:
- The dependent's legal name matches their Social Security card.
- The SSN, ITIN, or ATIN is entered correctly.
- The date of birth is accurate.
- The relationship selected is correct.
- Residency information is accurate.
Why this matters: Incorrect dependent information may cause the IRS to reject an electronically filed return or delay processing.
Step 4: Save and Review
- Select Continue.
- Review the updated information.
- Continue through any additional dependent questions.
How Do I Remove a Dependent?
Use these steps when a dependent should no longer appear on the return.
Step 2: Delete the Dependent
Navigation:
Federal > Basic Information > Dependents / Qualifying Person
Steps:
- Locate the dependent on the summary screen.
- Select the three-dot menu (⋮) next to the dependent's name.
- Select Delete.
- Confirm the deletion if prompted.
The dependent will be removed from the return.
What Happens When I Delete a Dependent?
Removing a dependent may affect:
- Filing status eligibility
- Child Tax Credit
- Credit for Other Dependents
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- Other tax benefits based on dependency information
After deleting a dependent, review your return to ensure your filing status and tax calculations are still correct.
How Do I Add a New Dependent?
If you need to enter a dependent who is not already listed:
Step 2: Add Another Dependent
Navigation:
Federal > Basic Information > Dependents / Qualifying Person
Steps:
- Select Add Another Dependent.
- Enter the dependent's personal information.
- Complete all required questions.
- Select Continue.
- Review the entered information.
What Information Will I Need?
You may need:
- Legal name
- Date of birth
- SSN, ITIN, or ATIN
- Relationship to you
- Citizenship or residency information
- Number of months the dependent lived with you during the tax year
Having this information available before starting can help prevent delays or errors.
What Should I Do Next?
After adding, editing, or removing a dependent:
- Review all dependent information carefully.
- Confirm names and identification numbers are accurate.
- Review any tax credits affected by the change.
- Continue through the remaining sections of your return.
- Run the final review process before filing.
Correct dependent information helps reduce IRS rejections and ensures your return reflects your tax situation accurately.