[IwannabeaCPA2017]

Hi guys,
so i just got a notice in the mail today from IRS regarding my 2017 tax return. It stated that I had claimed a dependent in which they were being claimed by someone else too. So in 2017 I claimed my dad as my dependent as he lives with me and i take care of him- he is retired so no income and didnt file a return. But my mom who still works filed a return and normally I filed them as MFJ but last year I filed them as MFS- Turbo Tax required to input my dad’s SSN so I’m not sure if for this reason it caused the issue. I dont think I did anything wrong as I met all the requirements to claim him as a qualifying relative. I just looked over my mom’s return and she had only claimed herself.. so Im not sure what went wrong to cause this notice?? I will call the IRS next monday. Anyone think I could have claimed him?? Or should i amend?

[cottonkandi]

You might have added your dad as an exemption on your mother's return. Even though she filed MFS, since your dad has no income, she still has the right to claim him as an exemption. On Form 1040, is 6b checked?

[IwannabeaCPA2017]

@Cotton, 6b is not checked on my mom's return- only “yourself” is checked.. which is why I was shocked when i saw the notice. On my 1040 my dad is listed as a dependent- which is what i wanted. I doubled check the returns before submitting lol. Its ironic as i am a CPA and I am questioning myself now.. But would you agree that this shouldn't be an issue? Im just not looking forward to being on hold for hours by IRS. One time i called for a client and I was on the phone for 2 flipping hours!!

[ellejay]

On the notice does it say which SSN is being claimed as a dependent elsewhere? Normally they put the last four on the notice somewhere. I actually just received this notice too and the person being claimed as a dependent on another return is actually me, as my SSN is on the notice – so I have to call them (haven't had a chance, busy with tax planning). But I have a feeling it is identity theft.

[IwannabeaCPA2017]

Elle, yea it did the ssn it says belongs to my father. His Ssn also showed up on my moms return which he wasn’t being claimed though.. I think this is an error on the Irs side. Thanks and good luck to you!

[mtlgemini]

I would suggest calling the IRS as soon as they open in the morning. I used to do this and usually didn't have to wait very long. My previous boss would call after he got in, which was around 10AM or so, and almost always had to wait a long time to talk to someone.

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