Any tax gurus/advisors around? Could use some help...

[DaveSenior72]

OK...I told everybody the story about Jordan a couple weeks ago.

Well, I claimed him for my 2008 taxes...used his SSN straight from the card. TurboTax kicked back my e-file saying there was a problem with Jordan and his SSN, but I was able to re-file and "force" my return to be accepted.

Now, the IRS is telling me that I made a mistake regarding a dependent's name and/or SSN, so I'm assuming it's the same issue...and that they automatically adjusted my refund.

So...can I fight this? And if so, how? Does the fact that he passed away mean I can't claim him???

[Bob78164]

OK...I told everybody the story about Jordan a couple weeks ago.

Well, I claimed him for my 2008 taxes...used his SSN straight from the card. TurboTax kicked back my e-file saying there was a problem with Jordan and his SSN, but I was able to re-file and "force" my return to be accepted.

Now, the IRS is telling me that I made a mistake regarding a dependent's name and/or SSN, so I'm assuming it's the same issue...and that they automatically adjusted my refund.

So...can I fight this? And if so, how? Does the fact that he passed away mean I can't claim him???

The best site I know for this sort of question is the Tax Strategies Board at the Motley Fool. It's free, but there's a hoop you need to jump through to register and post. --Bob

[Bob78164]

So...can I fight this? And if so, how? Does the fact that he passed away mean I can't claim him???

As I read the instructions on page 19 of the Form 1040 instructions, you absolutely can claim him. --Bob

[SportsFan68]

I think you need to talk to a real person.

I bet they think you're an identity thief.

[Snaxx]

So...can I fight this? And if so, how? Does the fact that he passed away mean I can't claim him???

As I read the instructions on page 19 of the Form 1040 instructions, you absolutely can claim him. --Bob

Bob has the correct reference. This is one situation where it is not possible to e-file; a paper return was necessary. If you claimed the exemption and the IRS took it off, you can respond to the notice and it will be fixed. If you took the exemption off yourself to force the e-file to go through, the IRS will have you file an amended return (1040X) with the documentation in p19 of the 1040 instructions.