How do I stop someone from claiming my dependents?

Asked by: Keon Collins  |  Last update: June 12, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (29 votes)

If someone else is claiming your dependent (for example, another relative or a separated spouse), the IRS will flag this and you might need to provide documentation to resolve the dispute. File Early: Filing or e-filing your tax return early can help prevent someone else from claiming your dependent before you do.

Can you stop another parent from claiming a child on taxes?

You cannot prevent your parents from claiming you. Anything on your parents' return is between them and the IRS.

How do I report someone to the IRS for claiming me as a dependent?

Use Form 3949-A, Information Referral PDF to report alleged tax law violations by an individual, a business or both. You can report alleged tax law violations to the IRS by filling out Form 3949-A online.

What happens if someone claims your child on taxes without permission?

But, here's what you do: If someone else claimed your dependent child inappropriately, and if they file first, your return will be rejected if e-filed. You would then need to file a return on paper, claiming the child as appropriate. The IRS will process your return and send you your refund, in the normal time.

What is the penalty for illegally claiming someone as a dependent?

Because you are technically filing your taxes under penalty of perjury, everything you claim has to be true, or you can be charged with penalty of perjury. Failing to be honest by claiming a false dependent could result in 3 years of prison and fines up to $250,000.

What To Do If Someone Claimed Your Child or Dependent?

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How do I stop someone from illegally claiming my child on taxes?

If someone else is claiming your dependent (for example, another relative or a separated spouse), the IRS will flag this and you might need to provide documentation to resolve the dispute. File Early: Filing or e-filing your tax return early can help prevent someone else from claiming your dependent before you do.

What happens when you report someone to the IRS?

An award worth between 15 and 30 percent of the total proceeds that IRS collects could be paid, if the IRS moves ahead based on the information provided. Under the law, these awards will be paid when the amount identified by the whistleblower (including taxes, penalties and interest) is more than $2 million.

How do I lock my child's Social Security number for taxes?

The IRS Identity Protection (IP) PIN is a six-digit number assigned to eligible taxpayers to help prevent the misuse of their Social Security number on fraudulent federal income tax returns. You can use the IRS online tool Get an IP PIN to obtain an IP PIN for your dependent.

How do I dispute someone claiming me as a dependent?

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.

What happens if two parents claim the same child?

It's important to note that if two or more taxpayers claim the same child, the IRS will use the “tiebreaker rule” to figure out who is eligible. You can always speak about your specific situation with your Jackson Hewitt Tax Pro when questions arise.

What is the IRS form to allow someone to claim dependent?

More In Forms and Instructions

If you are the custodial parent, you can use Form 8332 to do the following. Release a claim to exemption for your child so that the noncustodial parent can claim an exemption for the child. Revoke a previous release of claim to exemption for your child.

How much income can go unreported?

For the 2022 tax year, the gross income threshold for filing taxes varies depending on your age, filing status, and dependents. Generally, the threshold ranges between $12,550 and $28,500. If your income falls below these amounts, you may not be required to file a tax return.

What triggers an IRS criminal investigation?

The IRS may pursue criminal charges if they suspect fraudulent returns. Criminal conduct refers to any act that violates tax laws and regulations. If the IRS determines that there is enough evidence to warrant criminal action, they will refer the case to the Department of Justice for prosecution.

How do I stop my ex from claiming my child on taxes?

The custodial parent needs to sign IRS Form 8332 “Release/Revocation of Release of Claim to Exemption for Child by Custodial Parent” giving up their legal claim to the dependency exception. The noncustodial parent must then attach a copy of the signed form to their tax return to prove they can claim this exemption.

When can you stop claiming dependents?

To meet the qualifying child test, your child must be younger than you or your spouse if filing jointly and either younger than 19 years old or be a "student" younger than 24 years old as of the end of the calendar year.

How do you prove that your child lives with you?

The dependent's birth certificate, and if needed, the birth and marriage certificates of any individuals, including yourself, that prove the dependent is related to you. For an adopted dependent, send an adoption decree or proof the child was lawfully placed with you or someone related to you for legal adoption.

How to report someone falsely claiming dependents?

  1. IRS — 800-829-1040.
  2. SSA — 800-772-1213.

What are the 6 requirements for claiming a child as a dependent?

Who is a qualifying child?
  • The child has to be part of your family. ...
  • The child has to be under a certain age. ...
  • The child has to live with you. ...
  • The child can't provide more than half of their own financial support. ...
  • The child can't file a joint tax return with someone.

Can the IRS tell me who claimed my child?

If so, you need to know the IRS is prohibited from telling you who claimed your dependent(s). Due to federal privacy laws, the IRS can only disclose the return information if the victim's name and SSN are listed as either the primary or secondary taxpayer on the fraudulent return.

How can I stop someone from using my child's Social Security number?

If you discover that someone is using your child's personal information, here's what to do right away:
  1. Step 1: Report and close the fraudulent accounts. Contact the companies where fraud happened. ...
  2. Step 2: Freeze your child's credit report. ...
  3. Step 3: Report child identity theft.

Can I put a pin on my child's Social Security?

As mentioned, there's no way to put a PIN on your child's SSN. You can use the following four measures as alternatives: Get an Identity Protection (IP) PIN. Block electronic access to the SSN.

How do I put an IP PIN on my dependents?

Where to Enter Your Dependent's IP PIN? Dependent IP-PIN Solution: Sign in to eFile.com and then select Federal Taxes on the left. Select Dependents on the left menu, then open the dependent which you need to enter an IP PIN for.

Does IRS really investigate anonymous tips?

The IRS Whistleblower Office was established by the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006. This office is tasked with processing tips from individuals, such as whistleblowers, who have knowledge of significant tax noncompliance to provide that information to the IRS.

Will someone know if you reported them to the IRS?

(We never share this information with the person or business you are reporting.) This information is not required to process your report, but would be helpful if we need to contact you for any additional information. Use Form 3949-A to report alleged tax law violations by an individual, a business, or both.

How much does a whistleblower get?

How much money could I receive as a whistleblower? Provided that you meet all of the program's eligibility criteria, the Commission will pay a total award amount equal to between 10% and 30% of the amount of the monetary sanctions collected in either the CFTC action or a Related Action.