If your tax return was rejected because your dependent’s Social Security number (SSN) was already used, it usually means someone else already filed a tax return claiming that dependent.
This can happen if another parent or family member claimed the same dependent, someone entered an incorrect SSN, or someone used your dependent’s information without permission.
A rejection doesn’t necessarily mean you aren’t eligible to claim your dependent.
What should I check first?
Before trying to file again:
Check your dependent’s SSN: Make sure it matches their Social Security card.
Confirm whether someone else claimed them: Check with a spouse, former spouse, or other family member who may have claimed the dependent.
Review the eligibility rules: Make sure you qualify to claim the dependent under IRS rules.
You can use the IRS Interactive Tax Assistant to check whether someone qualifies as your dependent.
If you entered an incorrect SSN, update it in april and resubmit your return.
How do I fix the rejection in april?
If your dependent's information is incorrect, you can update your return and resubmit it in april.
Go to your april account
On the Tax home screen, select Make updates
Review the message(s) explaining why your return was rejected
Select Update my info to fix each issue listed
Check the info carefully to prevent any other rejections
Continue making any other needed changes, then resubmit your return when you're done
What if someone else claimed my dependent, but I’m eligible to claim them?
If your dependent’s information is correct and you’re eligible to claim them, you can still file your tax return.
The IRS allows taxpayers to electronically file a return claiming a dependent who was already claimed if the primary taxpayer has a valid Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN).
You can learn how to get an IP PIN on the IRS IP PIN page.
If you can’t file electronically, you can file your return by mail.
The IRS may contact you later to determine who’s eligible to claim the dependent. Filing first doesn’t automatically give someone the right to claim them.
For more information, see the IRS guidance on dependents claimed by someone else.
How do I file my return by mail?
If you can’t resolve the rejection electronically, you may need to file a paper return.
Prepare and print your completed federal tax return
Sign and date your return
Attach any required forms, such as W-2s
Mail your return to the IRS using the appropriate address
Find the correct address on the IRS Where to file paper tax returns page.
You don’t need to include additional documents proving you’re eligible to claim your dependent unless the IRS requests them.
What happens if the IRS contacts me?
If two taxpayers claim the same dependent, the IRS may review their returns to determine who’s eligible.
You may receive one of these notices:
CP87A: The IRS found that someone else claimed the same dependent. Review the notice and confirm you’re eligible to claim them. If you’re eligible, you generally don’t need to respond.
CP75A: The IRS is reviewing your return and needs documents to verify your eligibility to claim the dependent.
If the IRS requests documentation, you may need to provide birth certificates, school records, medical records, or other proof.
See Form 886-H-DEP for examples of documents the IRS may request.
Follow the instructions and deadlines on any notice you receive.
What if someone used my dependent’s information without permission?
If you don’t recognize anyone who could have claimed your dependent, their information may have been used without permission.
Visit IRS Identity Theft Central for steps to protect their information.
You can also request an IP PIN for your dependent to help prevent someone else from using their SSN on future tax returns.
If you suspect identity theft, review the IRS instructions for Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, to determine whether you should submit it.
Can the IRS tell me who claimed my dependent?
No. Federal privacy laws prevent the IRS from revealing who claimed your dependent on another tax return.
If you’re eligible to claim the dependent, the IRS can review the conflicting claims and request supporting documents to determine who’s entitled to claim them.
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.