Who else had someone claim their kid and not know who?

I’m really struggling with taxes and need help. I use an online system to file, but I never really learned how taxes work. I don’t know how to mail file, and people tell me to stick to e-filing. This year, I missed out on about $2,500 because someone else claimed my child, who I’ve been raising on my own. This isn’t the first time either. It happened before with my son’s dad and even my own dad. Now I’m stuck and don’t know how to report this. Does anyone know a way to find out who claimed my child on their taxes or how to report this fraud? I feel so lost, and I don’t want to keep letting people do this to me. I already filed my taxes without claiming my child because I was running out of time and couldn’t afford to wait longer for my refund. Any advice would help. Thanks.

You can file a paper return with your child listed. The IRS will look into both claims and decide who has the right to claim the dependent. The other person will owe back the money they got, plus interest. It might stop them from doing it again.

@Perrin
The person who posted can’t figure out how to paper file, that’s the main issue here.

Yan said:
@Perrin
The person who posted can’t figure out how to paper file, that’s the main issue here.

The other parent likely did this thinking they could get away with it. If they don’t do anything about it, it’ll happen again. The best thing is to file an amended return and fix this.

@Perrin
There’s no need for an extension. The IRS won’t reject a valid claim even if it’s late. Just follow the instructions and paper file or amend the return. If the other claim gets accepted, the IRS will sort it out.

@Fraser
You’re right. An amended return is the way to go. My brain’s a bit fried lately after all that’s been happening here with the weather.

Perrin said:
@Fraser
You’re right. An amended return is the way to go. My brain’s a bit fried lately after all that’s been happening here with the weather.

No, that’s wrong advice. They need to file a regular paper return. Filing the paper return will trigger the IRS to investigate both parties who claimed the dependent and request proof. An amended return won’t work if there wasn’t an original filing.

@Cameron
But they already filed without claiming the child.

Yan said:
@Perrin
The person who posted can’t figure out how to paper file, that’s the main issue here.

If you tried filing online, they should have given you a copy of your return. Just copy the info onto a paper form and mail it. That’s what triggers the IRS to handle both claims.

@Cameron
Or you could print the online return and mail it. It’s the same thing.

@Perrin
Happened to me too. My son’s father only had him every other weekend, so I just showed custody papers and all the proof of expenses I paid. He didn’t even pay the court-ordered child support.

Request a tax PIN for your kid. It’s free, and no one can claim them without it.

FaithJones said:
Request a tax PIN for your kid. It’s free, and no one can claim them without it.

Yes, this is key!

For this year, just print your return and mail it. Look up the right address for mailing returns and go to the post office to send it certified. Certified mail costs a little, but it’s worth it for the peace of mind knowing your return gets to the IRS safely.

@Devon
Make sure you sign the return too. The IRS will reject it without a signature.

If your income is under $64,000, you might qualify for free tax help from VITA. I volunteer with them, and we handle a lot of returns for free. You can file amended returns to fix the years when someone else claimed your child. It’s not hard—just follow the instructions.

@Yan
Oh wow, thank you so much! I’m getting on this right now!

Jordan said:
@Yan
Oh wow, thank you so much! I’m getting on this right now!

If VITA can’t help, try AARP Tax-Aide. They help with amended returns too, and there’s no income limit.

Jordan said:
@Yan
Oh wow, thank you so much! I’m getting on this right now!

Here’s a VITA locator so you can find a site near you. Your situation is common, so they should be able to assist.

We had a similar situation this year. TurboTax showed me which of my dependents had their SSN stolen. I had to mail the return and file an identity theft report with the IRS.