If you need to add, remove, or correct a dependent on your tax return, what you do next depends on whether you’ve already submitted your return and how the IRS responds.
This is common and usually easy to fix.
If you haven’t submitted your return yet
If you haven’t submitted your return, you can still make changes.
Go back to the section where you entered your household or dependent information and:
Add a dependent you missed
Remove a dependent who shouldn’t be listed
Update incorrect information
After making changes, review your return to make sure everything looks right before submitting.
What’s a dependent?
A dependent is a person you claim on your tax return for certain tax benefits, like a child, parent, or other qualifying person.
For eligibility details, see Who can I claim as a dependent?
If you submitted your return and the IRS rejected it
If your return was rejected, you can fix the issue and resubmit.
When you log in, you’ll see a message telling you to make updates. Fix the issues that led to the rejection, then go to the You and your household section and continue until you reach the dependents screen.
From there, follow the prompts to:
Add or remove a dependent
Correct any dependent information the IRS flagged
Once you’ve made the update, review your return and resubmit it.
If you submitted your return and the IRS accepted it
Once the IRS accepts your return, it can’t be edited. You’ll need to file an amended return using Form 1040-X to add, remove, or correct a dependent.
For more information, see How do I file an amended return?
Common situations
You might need to update a dependent if:
Your child is filing their own return
Your parent or someone else is claiming you as a dependent
You accidentally added the wrong person
You missed adding a dependent before filing
All of these can be fixed—the steps just depend on your return status.
Quick summary
Not submitted yet → You can update dependents before filing
Rejected by the IRS → Fix the issue and resubmit
Accepted by the IRS → File an amended return
If you’re not sure which step applies to you, check your return status first—that will tell you what you can do next.
This content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as tax, legal, financial, accounting, or other advice. Rules and regulations vary by location and are subject to change, so please consult with an expert if you need advice specific to you.
Any third-party links are provided for informational purposes only. The third parties and their sites are not endorsed by April and April is not responsible for, and has no control over, their content, privacy policies, or terms of service.