How Can I Report Someone Claiming My Child on His Taxes?

The number of child dependents that you claim when filing your taxes can make you eligible for various tax credits or deductions, thus lowering your tax liability and potentially increasing your annual tax refund. If someone is illegally claiming your child as their dependent, it doesn't just mean he's getting tax credits or deductions for which he's ineligible. The Louisiana Department of Revenue also warns that the government cross-checks the social security numbers of children who are listed as dependents. The government may then accuse you of tax fraud when you legally claim your child as a dependent, if someone else has already claimed the child illegally. Report such a person for your own protection.

• 1

  Download and print out IRS form 3949A, available on the IRS Website. See Resources.

• 2

  Fill out the form with as much information as you know about the person who's illegally claiming your child, such as her name, address and taxpayer identification number. In the section labeled "Alleged Violation of Income Tax Law," check "False Deductions." If you know that she's claiming your child to be eligible for earned income credit, also check "Earned Income Credit."

• 3

  Describe any further details you know about the situation--such as how you know the person is using your child and when you think it started--in the "Comments" section of the form.

• 4

  Fold the form and place it in an envelope. Affix postage. Mail the form to: Internal Revenue Service, Fresno, CA, 93888.

• 5

  Call the IRS fraud hotline at 800-829-0433 as an alternative to filling out the form. The IRS representative will ask you for the same information that's requested on the form. Provide the representative with as much information as you know.