How do I amend my dependency status on my federal taxes?

Question

I am trying to find out how to amend part of my federal tax return. I filed a 1040, and said that I was being claimed as a dependent, so I became ineligible for the stimulus check. However, it turns out I am not being claimed as a dependent by anyone else, and I am trying to figure out how to amend my return so that I can receive my stimulus check. I already checked the 1040x form, and there doesn't appear to be anyway to amend dependency status using it.

Answer 1

If you CAN be claimed by somebody else, then you CANNOT claim yourself even if the other person didn't claim you. If this is true, you should not amend your return. In any event, the stimulus payment is always based on the original return, so even if you could claim yourself you're not going to receive the stimulus payment. However, you might be able to claim it as a credit on next year's return.

The one exception here is if you receive Social Security or VA benefits and only filed the return to claim the stimulus payment. If that's the case, you call the IRS and they will adjust the account to allow the payment.

Answer 2

Look at the 1040X again.  You'll show the additional exemption on line 4.  Then follow the directions on line 4, and also fill in Parts I and II on the back of the form.  Note that if someone else CAN claim you but just didn't, you aren't allowed to claim yourself.

You won't get a stimulus check though based on the amendment, since those are sent out based on your original return.  If you made over $5350 for the year though, you will probably end up with an additional refund.  

If you make enough in 2008 to owe any income tax, and aren't a dependent, you will get a tax break when you file next year due to the stimulus law, since you won't get it this year.