Question

Entering but not claiming a dependent

Forum|Forum|5 years ago
January 26, 2021
1 reply
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Hello,

I have probably a not-so-unique situation. I have a dependent with my ex-wife. I was able to claim the dependent on my 2019 taxes, but not 2020. The stimulus payments in 2020 were based off of 2019 tax year. My wife and I have two dependents, one born in 2020. I know that the dependent born in 2020 qualifies for the payments, but when doing this in Turbo Tax, since we have two to claim in 2020 and we had two to claim in 2019 it doesn't see us as missing out on $1,100 for my dependent born in 2020. My question is can I add my other dependent in Turbo Tax, but not claim them for 2020?

WendyN2

If you keep your 2 children with your ex wife in your information (so, included for 2020) but check the box that asks "can someone else claim this person as a dependent" so that the TurboTax system reads correctly that you are taking one this year and not the other, THEN add your new baby with your current wife, you will wind up with the 2 children that you are able to take on your 2020 return as dependents. Then, towards the end of your return, you will need to not only report the stimulus payments you did receive, but also fill out the claim for the one you did not (for the newborn in 2020). Per the regulations, if you had a baby in 2020, you are eligible for an additional $1,100 for the tax year 2020.

Here is a link that better explains this, from NASDAQ:

Parents With Babies Born in 2020 May Qualify For A Stimulus Check