Can one claim itself as a dependent for the 2007 taxes?

Question

A friend claimed head of household but didn't have dependents so he's trying to claim himself. Is this allowed? WIll the IRS make him repay whatever refund he gets?

Answer 1

If he's flagged and caught, - yes.

Answer 2

Well, yes, he'll have to repay what he got because of trying to do this. If he doesn't have any dependents, he is not eligible to file as head of household.

Under most circumstances, when you file you get an exemption for yourself, but never can claim yourself as a dependent. He's going to put his social security number on his return, then put the same number again as a dependent? That won't fly! He probably won't have to repay anything, because that will most likely kick out in the first place and he won't get the refund in the first place. If by any chance he does. then yes he'd have to repay what he got by filing an illegal return, plus interest and possible penalties.

Answer 3

You cannot claim yourself as a dependent. Ever. You get a personal exemption for yourself unless you can be claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer.

If someone tried to claim HoH and listed themselves as a dependent on their return, the IRS would either reject the return or would simply correct the filing status and re-calculate the tax liability and adjust the refund or send a bill for any taxes due.

Answer 4

If he doesn't have a dependant's SSN# shown on his return, the IRS will automatically change his filing status to single, and then send him a letter stating this and requesting the SS# and name of the dependant be sent in to allow the HOH filing. If he does not provide true and accurate information, the HOH will completely be denied.

Answer 5

You can't file as HoH without any dependents. Your friend will be claiming himself as an exemption, not a dependent. If he files, as you explained, the IRS will go after him big time. That's filing a false return