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Sofía Rodríguez

Can someone claim my dependents after IRS already accepted my return with them?

I filed my taxes in February and claimed my kids as my dependents. The IRS accepted my return already. Now my ex is saying they filed and claimed them too. Is this even possible? What happens now? Im worried about my refund getting delayed or rejected.

Tax pro here. If someone else claims your dependents after you've already filed, the IRS will flag both returns. They'll send notices to both parties requesting proof of eligibility to claim the dependents. Keep all your documentation ready (school records, medical records, proof of residence etc). If you have primary custody and can prove the kids lived with you for more than half the year, you'll win this dispute.

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omg thank you!! I have all their school stuff and doctors records. Should I wait for IRS to contact me or should I do something now?

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Wait for the IRS notice. They'll give specific instructions on what documentation they need and where to send it.

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Hey! I actually went through this exact situation last year. I used taxr.ai to analyze my transcript and it showed me exactly what was happening with the dependent dispute flags. Best $4.99 I ever spent - gave me peace of mind and showed me exactly what to expect. Check it out: https://taxr.ai

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Does it rly work? Like can it actually see whats wrong with ur return?

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100% works! It reads your entire transcript and explains everything in plain english. Shows all the codes and tells you exactly what's happening 🙌

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just tried it and WOW 🤯 wish I knew about this months ago!

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this happened to me last year and it took 8 MONTHS to resolve 😫

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your ex is trippin fr fr 🤡 they know they cant claim them if you already did

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fr these games ppl play with the irs gonna get them audited 💅

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Make sure you have a copy of your custody agreement handy too if you have one

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yea i got that saved on my phone already just incase

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the irs bout to put ur ex in timeout lmaooo

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IRS dont play about dependent fraud 😈

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Just went through this mess with my baby daddy last month! The IRS will definitely catch it - their system automatically flags duplicate dependents. You'll both get a letter asking for proof. Since you filed first and have custody documentation, you're in a good position. Just make sure you have everything organized: school enrollment, medical records, proof they lived with you more than half the year. The person who can't prove it will have to amend their return and pay back any credits they got. Your ex is gonna learn the hard way that the IRS doesn't mess around with this stuff 💯

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Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It's really reassuring to hear from someone who actually went through this. I was so stressed thinking my refund might be lost forever. Do you remember how long the whole process took once you got the letter from the IRS? I'm hoping it won't drag on too long since I really need that refund money 😅

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@Emma Davis it took about 3 months total from when I got the first letter to when everything was resolved. The IRS gave us 30 days to respond with documentation, then it took them about 2 months to review everything and make their decision. Your refund will be held up during this time unfortunately, but once they determine you re'the rightful claimant, they ll'release it with interest. Just stay on top of any deadlines they give you!

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This is actually more common than you'd think! The IRS computer system will automatically detect when the same dependent is claimed on multiple returns. Don't panic - your return being accepted first doesn't guarantee anything, but having custody documentation definitely works in your favor. The IRS will send both of you a CP87A notice asking you to prove your right to claim the dependents. Make sure you respond within the 30-day deadline with solid proof like school records showing your address, medical records, and anything showing the kids lived with you for more than half the year. If your ex can't prove their case, they'll have to file an amended return and potentially pay back any refund they received. Stay organized and don't stress too much - the truth will come out! 📋

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This is so helpful, thank you! I was freaking out when my ex told me they filed too. It's good to know the system catches this automatically. I have tons of documentation - school records, medical appointments, even receipts from when I buy their clothes and stuff. Quick question though - does it matter that I filed in February and they probably filed more recently? Like does filing first give me any advantage or is it really just about who can prove the kids lived with them? 🤔

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