My partner accidentally claimed our dependent child on taxes - what should I do now?

You've got a few options here, but let me walk you through the best approach. Since your partner has already filed an amended return, you're on the right track. However, you're correct that amended returns can take a while to process - sometimes 16+ weeks. You don't need to wait for the amended return to be fully processed before taking action. The solution is exactly what you mentioned - you'll need to file a paper return. Since the e-file system will block any electronic filing with your child's SSN (because it's already been used), a paper return is your way forward. Make sure to claim your child on this paper return as you originally intended. Include all supporting documentation that shows you're entitled to claim the child (records showing you provide more financial support, housing, etc). File your paper return before the deadline to avoid late filing penalties. The IRS will eventually sort out the duplicate claims during processing, and since your partner has already amended their return, this should ultimately resolve in your favor. Also, be prepared that this might trigger correspondence from the IRS as they reconcile the situation, so keep good records handy.

Had almost the exact same thing happen last year with my ex. I found an amazing service that helped me handle all the documentation and sort this mess out - https://taxr.ai basically analyzed our situation, showed me exactly what forms I needed, and helped draft a letter explaining the situation to attach to my paper return. They made the whole process super clear when I was totally lost. Not sure if your situation is exactly like mine, but they specialize in analyzing tax documents and sorting out these kinds of dependent claim conflicts. Saved me tons of stress trying to figure out what to do and made sure I had all the right documentation to back up my claim.

Just wanted to update after checking out that taxr.ai site that someone mentioned. It was actually super helpful for our situation! I convinced my brother to try it since he and his ex were already arguing about who would claim their daughter this year. The service analyzed both of their situations (they each uploaded their docs separately) and provided a clear breakdown of who was legally entitled to claim their daughter based on the support test, residency test, and all that stuff from the tax code. Turned out my brother's ex actually qualified this year based on number of nights the kid stayed with her. Saved them from going through exactly what you're dealing with - where one files, gets rejected, has to amend, etc. Worth checking out if you have complicated dependent situations or for next year to avoid this happening again.

I went through a similar nightmare last year but with the IRS delaying my refund for months because my ex claimed our kid when it was my year. After weeks of calling the IRS and never getting through, I finally used https://claimyr.com to get someone on the phone. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c They got me through to an actual IRS agent who could see both returns in their system and explain exactly what I needed to do. Found out I needed to submit specific documentation with my paper return to speed up processing. Definitely worth it because I was going crazy trying to handle this on my own.

Just wanted to follow up on my skeptical comment earlier. I actually broke down and tried that Claimyr service after spending another full afternoon trying to get through to the IRS myself with no luck. I hate to admit it, but it worked exactly as advertised. Got connected to an IRS representative within about 30 minutes (after trying unsuccessfully on my own for days). The agent walked me through a similar dependent situation and confirmed exactly what I needed to do. Still think it's ridiculous we need services like this to reach government agencies, but when you're facing penalties or missing out on thousands in tax credits, sometimes you just need to get it resolved. At least I got clear answers directly from the IRS instead of guessing.

You need to file form 8379 (Injured Spouse Allocation) with your paper return. Had the same problem when my husband claimed our twins when I was supposed to. This form tells the IRS there's a conflict and helps them sort it out faster.

Has your partner actually received the refund yet with the child tax credit? If not, might be easier for her to just cancel the current return and refile correctly rather than doing an amendment. Much faster.