How to report someone falsely claiming dependents?

Asked by: Alexander Kuvalis  |  Last update: February 28, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (40 votes)

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

What can I do if someone falsely claimed my dependent?

How can I report someone else claiming my child?
  • File a paper return Prepare paper tax return.
  • You need to prove you're entitled to claim the dependent This Form 886-H-DEP provides a comprehensive list of supporting documentation to assist in resolving your case.
  • Answer when the IRS contacts you

What is the penalty for claiming false dependents?

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.

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

At any time, contact us here at eFile.com or call the IRS support line at 1-800-829-1040 and inform them of the situation. Or, take advantage of low-income tax clinics if this applies to you.

Can I report someone to the IRS anonymously?

For information on how to report suspected tax fraud activity, if you have information about an individual or company you suspect is not complying with the tax law, and you do not want to seek an award. You can remain anonymous.

What Do I Do if Someone Falsely Declared Me as a Dependent for Tax Purposes?

41 related questions found

Will someone know if you report 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.

What happens after 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.

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

Don't stress the IRS.

Assuming you entered your dependent's information correctly, it looks like someone else claimed your dependent. Because the IRS processes the first return it receives, if another person claims your dependent first, the IRS will reject your return. The IRS won't tell you who claimed your dependent.

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 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 is considered a false claim?

A false claim is simply a demand for money or property that is based on a material falsehood or a fraud.

What happens if someone lies on their taxes?

Lying on your tax returns can result in fines and penalties from the IRS, and can even result in jail time.

Can you claim dependents that aren't yours?

1 • You can't claim a person as a dependent unless that person is your qualifying child or qualifying relative.

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 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.

What disqualifies someone from being claimed as a dependent?

An individual is not a dependent of a person if that person is not required to file an income tax return and either does not file an income tax return or files an income tax return solely to claim a refund of estimated or withheld taxes.

What proof does the IRS need for dependents?

You must also be related to them, either by blood or marriage, or through legal adoption, foster care, or a custody order. To prove: Send copies of birth certificates, custody orders, or DNA tests. Just one type of proof is enough.

What is a proof of living letter from parents?

Example 1: Proof of Residency Letter Sample

Dear [Recipient's Name], I am writing to confirm the residency of my [relationship to the family member, e.g., daughter], [Full Name of the Family Member], at my address. [Full Name] has been a permanent resident at [Full Address of Residence] since [start date of residency].

Does a parent have the right to know where their child is?

Yes — if you have a custody order specifying that parents must disclose the child's whereabouts during their visitation time. It's a violation of the order if a parent refuses to reveal the child's location.

How to report someone to the IRS anonymously online?

Recent developments. You can now report alleged tax law violations by individuals and/or businesses to the IRS through the Form 3949-A Information Referral online experience.

How to stop another parent from claiming a child on taxes?

The custodial parent signs a Form 8332, Release/Revocation of Release of Claim to Exemption for Child by Custodial Parent or a substantially similar statement, and. The noncustodial parent attaches the Form 8332 or a similar statement to his or her return.

How do I report someone for claiming my child?

To report welfare fraud contact the appropriate County Agency directly. If you need assistance in determining which county to call contact the Welfare Fraud Hotline at 1-800-344-8477 or by e-mail at FraudHotline@dss.ca.gov. What are the most common types of welfare fraud?

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.

What triggers an IRS investigation?

The IRS receives copies of your W-2s and 1099s, and their systems automatically compare this data to the amounts you report on your tax return. A discrepancy, such as a 1099 that isn't reported on your return, could trigger further review. So, if you receive a 1099 that isn't yours, or isn't correct, don't ignore it.

How to get someone audited?

What you'll need
  1. Individual/business name and address.
  2. Asset and income information (vehicles, property, etc.)
  3. Alleged tax violation.
  4. How you became aware of the alleged violation.
  5. Marital status.
  6. Spouse's/registered domestic partner's name.
  7. Supporting documents (if available)
  8. Your contact information (optional)