Separated taxpayer, HOH, dependent

[winnie]

Separated mom, child lives with her, dad has some weekends, mom provided over half support (mainly because dad stopped making any payments Oct - Dec), mom lived apart more than six months, etc. Accept that she qualifies to claim the child and HOH.

I prepare the return yesterday, efile, and last night get a rejection notice becuase someone has already claimed the dependent. Since dad was asking for the mortgage interest statement from mom a few days ago, I think he has just filed the return. Is there anyway to notify the IRS before this goes on for the next 6 months to a year while I try to get my client their appropriate refund?

[travis bickle]

if someone has already claimed the child

. . . . and last night get a rejection notice becuase someone has already claimed the dependent. Since dad was asking for the mortgage interest statement from mom a few days ago, I think he has just filed the return. Is there anyway to notify the IRS before this goes on for the next 6 months to a year while I try to get my client their appropriate refund?

you cannot e-file.

the only option is to mail it in and then "fight it out with the irs" about who is actually able to claim the child.

i have heard other people say that they have mailed the return in with an accompanying letter, and proof [i.e., school and/or doctor documentation] and thereby get everything accomplished in one submission.

personally, i have NOT had any such experience. i have always had to wait for the irs to respond, and then submit the documentation. you might have your client assemble the necessary proof while she is waiting for the irs to respond, that way when the irs letter arrives, you can respond instantly.