Someone is Claiming me as a dependent on their taxes?

I see this is a growing problem perhaps because the stimulus package provides more $$ for more dependents one can claim. I received a rejection from TaxAct stating that my returns (Federal and State) were rejected because someone has claimed me as a dependent.

I am now applying for emergency cash benefits from my state, 27 weeks pregnant, and homeless. Everything may be tied to this fraudulent act of claiming me as a dependent. Am I in danger of having my ER cash benefits and food stamps, Medicaid denied in the midst of not having shelter, money or food because someone is claiming me as a dependent?

Where can I begin to start the process of clearing this mess up while ensuring that my state and local benefits applications are not denied in the process?

How can I immediately find out WHO is claiming me so I can report that person?

Any wise point in the right direction will be helpful.

The IRS will NOT tell you who claimed you as a dependent. If you tried to e-file your return and it was rejected because someone did claim you as a dependnet and you didn't file as such, you'll have to mail your return in. The IRS will then investigate the matter and decide if the other party was entitled to claim you. If they were not, they'll get a bill for the taxes due and you'll get your refund. Unfortunately this process takes a couple of months at least; there's no way to expedite it.

TFTP Report It

The previous advice is correct regarding resubmitting your tax return.

Is it possible you were a dependent in 2007? If you were a student under age 24 in 2007 and did not provide over half of your own support, you were probably claimed as a dependent of a parent, and your claim of your own exemption would be denied.

Did you make under $3,400 last year? If so, and someone else supported you, it is possible that they correctly claimed you as a dependent.

If you were a dependent in 2007, file your return claiming zero exemptions.

You need to file your tax return by mail. The IRS knows who the other person is. They will clean up the mess, and ask for additional information from you if they need it.

It might (but I don't know for sure) expedite the process if you attach a statement to the back of your return explaining that you cannot be claimed on someone else's return...and why (such as you've been living alone, or that no one else has been providing you support).

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Bostonian, thanks for "expedite" info.

You can't. What you need to do it file your returns by mail. The IRS will spot the dual claim for the exemption and send letters to both parties requiring them to justify their claim. It will take a while.

For the stimulus payment, people don't get extra money for all dependents, just their kids under age 17, so that probably isn't a big issue.

If you had any income for 2007, you can file your own return. You'll have to file by mail since you have been claimed by someone. That will start an investigation of whether the person can claim you or not, or whether you can claim yourself. The IRS WILL investigate if you and someone else both claim you. You can't find out who the other person was. It's possible that someone else CAN legally claim you for 2007 - you don't give enough info in your question to tell.

In the meantime, you'll have a copy of the return you filed, and can use that when filing for benefits.

Good luck - sounds like you need some.