Dependent claimed themselves

[NECPA in NEBRASKA]

I tried to find the answer, but I must not be using the correct search words. Client's e-file rejected because daughter claimed herself. They will amend her return. Can they paper file this return as is without having to amend both returns? I know it used to be that way.

Thank you

[Lion EA]

If it is the correct situation that the parents claim their daughter, then they paper file their original return. And, the daughter paper files her amended return without her own exemption. Then only one return is claiming the daughter.

[Pacun]

They need to amend her return and parents should paper file their return claiming the daughter. I would send the 1040X at once and wait to the last day to paper file the parents 1040. Since parents have not filed yet, no need for a 1040X for parents.

If parents are getting a refund without claiming the daughter, maybe you should efile their return without claiming the daughter and then wait a month and file 1040X for parents claiming the daughter. As you know, the 1040X from daughter will take a couple of months to clear. If you send her 1040X and a month later send the parents 1040X (which will also take a couple of months to be processed) everything will be OK.

[NECPA in NEBRASKA]

Unfortunately, her return is at the parent's home in another state and her mom is away on business for another week so she can't amend it yet. They will owe a substantial amount if we e-file the return without her exemption. Her mom did her return on Turbotax and didn't even think about the fact that they couldn't both claim her. I got this client years ago, when I had to amend their Turbotax return. You'd think that they would have learned.

[Lion EA]

FIle the parents on paper and amend the daughter when you can. Or, tell mom to amend on TT for her error!

[NECPA in NEBRASKA]

Mom is supposed to amend it when she gets back home. Hopefully, she can handle it with Turbotax.

[Randall]

This seems to be happening more and more. With young people jumping the gun and efiling their own returns. Don't forget when paper filing, attach W2s and 1099s with withholding. I tend to forget to do this since we've been efiling tha last few years.