I have to start with the disclaimer first: I’m an enrolled agent, I’m licensed by the Department of Treasury to represent persons before the IRS. I am not an attorney. According to the rules of my license, I am not allowed to give legal advice. But I get to talk about taxes until I’m blue in the face!
Why the disclaimer? Because if you’re a divorced parent, you may have to deal with a court order that outlines who can claim your child’s tax exemption. But the IRS has its own rules about who may claim a child’s exemption, and sometimes the courts and the IRS don’t agree.
Here are the IRS rules:
- If your divorce decree went into effect after 1984 and before 2009, the noncustodial parent may be able to attach certain pages from the decree to the tax return to claim the exemption as long as the decree has no conditions (like paying child support) instead of requiring the custodial parent to sign a form 8332 (release of exemption).
- If the divorce decree or separation agreement is after 2008, then the custodial parent must sign a form 8332 for the noncustodial parent to claim an exemption.
Can see how this can be tricky? If you don’t sign the 8332 form , and your ex doesn’t have the proper divorce decree documents, then your ex doesn’t get the exemption as far as the IRS is concerned. You’re going to win this one on the IRS battlefield. You may have to take it to the battlefield, but if you do then you will win.
But what does a person do when there’s a court order for her spouse to claim the exemption on the children, but the husband has no right to claim the children as far as the IRS rules are concerned? What do you do if a local judge says, “You’ve got to let your ex husband claim your children for taxes? I order you to sign the 8332 form.”
I spoke with a local attorney about what could happen to a person who followed the strict IRS rules and claimed the children’s exemptions for herself when the divorce decree allowed the spouse to claim – the answer I got was to have the person call her attorney. You see, the IRS rules are all about how the IRS will settle the issue. I’m an expert at how the IRS will settle the issue. But if you’re dealing with a court order, and if your ex decides to take you back to court to enforce the exemption rule, and you defy a court order to allow him to claim the exemption, then it’s quite possible for you to see the inside of a jail cell. I don’t want anybody reading this blog to wind up in prison. So even though you should win a tax case, you should really talk to your attorney before you go against your divorce or custody decree. Make sure that you’re within your rights in your jurisdiction.
If you are the custodial parent and you are required to let your ex claim your children, remember that the exemption only includes the exemption and the child tax credit. As the custodial parent, you keep the Head of Household designation, the Earned Income Tax Credit (if you qualify), and the Child Care Credit (if that’s relevant.) See my post about splitting a child’s exemption: Split Exemptions
If your ex claimed your child and shouldn’t have, read my post, “My Ex Claimed My Kid” for tips on how to fight back: My Ex Claimed My Kid
Divorce is tough on everyone. It’s really tricky when you’ve got federal and state rules that don’t always mesh together either. The bottom line is that the IRS does not want to be involved in domestic disputes. If your divorce decree says that the Dad will pay child support and claim the exemption while Mom has the custody, then the IRS does not want to get involved in whether or not Dad paid that child support. That’s why the IRS rules are the way they are. Basically, they’re kicking that issue back to the local jurisdictions. If Dad wants Mom to sign the 8332, then his child support should be paid up to date. If Dad’s done everything right and Mom is still refusing to sign the 8332, then the IRS is saying it’s not their problem – Dad can go back to court and work it out from there-locally.
We used to have a saying when I was a kid: “Don’t make it a federal issue.” I don’t remember where we got it from, probably some TV show. I just remember we just always used to say it. But that’s kind of what the IRS is saying to divorced couples claiming their kids today, “Don’t make it a federal issue.”
If you’ve got a situation where the IRS rules and the court rules don’t line up, do consult your attorney about how your situation can, will, or should be handled.
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Here are some links that might help
EIC questions of any kind: EITC Help
How to find free tax preparers: Free Tax Help
How to find your local IRS office: Contact Local IRS Office
Hi Tomora,
Since you are a tax preparer, you need to go to Linked in and join one of the many tax groups there. That way you can get advice from a lot of different people. If you’re with a company, like H&R Block, they have people there to help you. If you’re a solo preparer, then Linked In groups are a great place to get help. I also belong to some Facebook groups for preparers. We share tips and help each other there.
It sounds like you’ve got lots of tax questions. You might want to start with the IRS Link and Learn site. Link and Learn That’s the training site for the new VITA volunteers, they cover the basics.
Good luck.
HI, two questions:
(1)If a daughter is carrying her totally disabled mother(she has paper work of disability) I know the daughter will not get anything like credits that are like EIC etc… but approximately how much will she get for carrying her mother?
(2) If your child(ren) just say 15 yrs-23yrs old work and they live with you and you provide more than half the support they still file a return? right? but they just can’t claim themselves right? What do the working kids need to claim? and is there a certain amount they earn which will not allow the parents to claim them any more? And what if the parents are married with these working kids how do the parents file? married, who carries the working children
(3) Can a spouse claim a spouse on their return. Can you provide examples if yes? and the filing status.
Thank you
Hi Tomora,
I so hate the W4 form! Here’s a post I wrote about the W4. W4 for Dummies
But, the best way to figure withholding – forget the W4, and use the IRS withholding calculator.
Quite frankly, I think the IRS withholding calculator is a pain in the tuchus. But – it’s the best, most accurate thing out there. And since it sounds like you’re another tax pro, you can handle it. The thing with the IRS calculator is that it gets you to a no refund tax return – meaning you’re keeping more of your money with your pay check. As long as you’re inputting correctly, then it’s spitting out good information.
And even though the IRS withholding calculator may be annoying, it’s not as bad as page 2 of the W4 “line 4: enter the number from line 2, line 5: enter the number from line 1, subtract line 5 from line 4” – why in the heck doesn’t it just have you subtract line 1 from line 2 to begin with? Seriously?
Another thing – I don’t know if you have access to it – is payroll software. I get payroll software with my tax software every year. I can recreate my client’s pay stubs and we can do some pretty accurate planning. I find that if you just have wages, the W4 planner isn’t all that bad, but so many people have other things on their taxes, it makes it hard to plot it all out. The payroll software allows me to have a “target” withholding and we just play with the numbers until we’re there.
Thank you for answering my previous question. I have another question: The w4 comes with 2 pages, is it anything that will help me tell my clients about the worksheet page etc… that will assist with? I keep seeing face book posts about people trying to teach people how to keep more money with the w4 forms. I’m lost.
Thank you
Hi Tomora,
That’s a good question. Back in 2008, and before, if you were divorced and your divorce decree said that you were entitled to claim an exemption, all you had to do to prove that you were entitled to claim an exemption was to photocopy the pages of your divorce decree that gave you the exemption and mail it to the IRS to prove your case. The only catch was that there could be no “conditions”. Usually, by conditions they meant things like, “if the child support is paid in full, then the non-custodial parent may claim the exemption”. Stuff like that.
But now, with modern Court Orders, the court may say that the non-custodial parent may claim an exemption, but in order to prove it, the custodial parent must sign form 8332 allowing the non-custodial parent permission to claim the child. So in a perfect world, the non-custodial parent pays the child support, and the custodial parent releases the exemption. Right?
But you know how divorces go. So there’s lots of spatting. But that’s the way it’s supposed to work. So the Court Order does mean something–it just doesn’t necessarily mean much to the IRS. But – if your ex will not release the exemption – you still can go back to court and force it. But you’re working through the court system, not the IRS.
I hope that answers your question.
Hi Jennifer,
I think you just asked the question everybody wants to know. And this stuff is confusing. Let me see if I can help clear it up.
First – I want to talk about your custodial agreement – it says that you get the kids 183 days and he gets the kids 182 days. That’s all fine and dandy for custodial agreements, but in real life – where do the kids live? I’m guessing they live with you. But if not – if the kids live with him, the IRS doesn’t care what that agreement says. For IRS purposes, they only care about where the kids really live when it comes to EIC. So, if you’re ever in a situation where you need to prove it who has custody, your custody agreement isn’t going to cut it. You would need school records, or a landlord lease showing the kids live with you or something like that.
Okay, so – I’m assuming that you truly are the custodial parent. You get to claim one exemption – per your agreement, and he gets to claim the other – per the agreement. But, as the custodial parent, you get to claim the EIC for both children. I think you understand that part.
But – you asked, what if he does claim the EIC? Good question, it happens all the time. Here’s a link about what to do when that happens: My Ex Claimed My Kid
The next issue is about the support, because your agreement states that if the support is not caught up, he can’t claim the exemption. Okay – that’s an issue because the IRS doesn’t look at that. They don’t want to get into the business of checking to see who’s paid up their child support or not. But you have a little bit of power there. You see, for your ex to be able to claim the exemption, you are supposed to file a form 8332 for him. Form 8332
That form releases the exemption for your child. Never sign the form for multiple years! Only sign one year at a time. Only sign the form if the child support is paid up. If he’s not paid up, you do not sign the form and you claim your other child.
Is this a perfect solution? No! He’ll probably try to claim him anyway. You may be stuck paper filing your return and slugging it out with the paperwork. But, since he’s not the custodial parent – you would win. That’s why you only sign the 8332 form for one year at a time. That’s your little insurance policy.
I hope that helps a little.
What does it mean when you say the IRS only accepts Court Orders for 2008 and earlier. Did they stop accepting Court Orders from 2009 and 2010… and etc…And If so does this mean Court orders really don’t mean a thing? This pertains to a noncustodial parent who had permission in a court order to carry the child that does not live with noncustodial but the noncustodial pays child support.
Thank you
Hi Tony,
I can only answer tax questions, I am not allowed to give any type of legal advice. Of course, if you can persuade her to sign the 8332 without going to court, that is your least expensive option. You have a few months to get her to sign, so it’s at least worth asking before going to court. Good luck.
hi so in court me and my ex have a parental responsibilities agreement that states i claim one of our kids an he claims the other however he has not paid any child support to help support his kids. in the order it says mother has children 183 days to be able to keep kids on medicaid and father has them 182 days a year. so am i the custodial parent since i have them 183? and on another note if you look at the basic parenting plan before anyone would fill it out it says please note that if your support is not caught up then you may not claim exemption, does this sound true? person to person? if anything if i am a qualifying custodial parent i can still claim eic even if he claims exemption? what if he also claims eic? thank you for your time
Hello. My daughter’s mother does not work and will not be claiming our child for tax purposes. I do work and am also up to date on child support payments. I heard that if she does not sign form 8332, a court may order her to do so. Do you have any idea on what petition i would file in order to do so?
Hi Jeff,
I’m sorry but that’s a question for your attorney, it’s out of my league. I don’t want to give you bad advice.
Hi Kelsey,
It’s important that your fiancee only claim the exemption and the child tax credit, not EIC or head of household for the child as the child lives with the mother more. That’s the first step. Also, the mother should sign a form 8332 releasing the exemption.
The IRS won’t recognize the court papers unless they divorced in 2008 or before. That’s why he needs the 8332 form. But job one is to make sure he didn’t over claim. That happens all the time. Here’s a post explaining what I mean about that. Splitting an exemption
8 years ago CT family court ordered that my ex-wife was to get my child tax credit and exemptions until I was caught up. How does the credit come off the arrears bottom line? That’s somewhere around $8,000 for the credit that I would have received. I asked support enforcement and they responded that “IT DOESN’T and there is no way to track that type of order. How is his possible? Wasn’t the order made to help me catch up not give her extra money.
I have a question. My fiancée has a court order stating that he claims his child odd years and the mother claims him even years. So last year he claimed him and we recently got a letter in the mail stating that he was penalized for claiming him bc she did too. He pays child support but only gets him every other weekend and for the summer it’s switched. We have him majority and she has him every other weekend. I was wondering if he sends back his court papers stating that he claims him odd years and she signed it can he still claim him for this year and not be penalized from 2015
Hi Loriana,
Since it’s your ex’s turn to claim your son, you need to amend your tax return and pay back any extra tax that you might owe. Remember, you only lose the exemption and the child tax credit, you should still be able to claim head of household and EIC since your child lives with you and not your ex. You might want to read this post: Split Exemptions
Hello my ex supposed to claim my son this yr but the person that did my taxes messed up nd put my son in ,I didn’t know until my ex called me nd said his taxes was rejected because I claimed my son. I have court order every other yr I claim him and he lives with me his father hasn’t seen him for 3 yrs now pays child support only $100 a month .
Hi Cassandra,
First, it sounds like a bad court order. 75% of the return? That doesn’t make any sense. What state are you in? It’s just a weird decree.
Also, if the children do not live with him then he cannot claim EIC or head of household even if he does get to claim the exemption. State law, and divorce decrees cannot interfere with federal law. Something isn’t right here, but I think your boyfriend has a losing case. He might want to talk with a different lawyer.
Hi Sarah,
it depends upon your situation. You might prefer to keep the 19 year old on your return. The college tax credit is worth up to $2500, which is way more than the child tax credit. Plus, if your income is lower, you claiming the older child might be better for claiming financial aid. You could be the winner in this situation.
Now a lot of people think they can’t qualify for the college tax credit because they took loans out for the tuition. Guess what? That loan money counts as funds you used to pay the tuition – so you could be a big winner here.
So first, I’d check to see if claiming your older child works out better for you. (And then I’d just keep my mouth shut about it and smile about your ex’s stupid mistake.) But if it’s really not to your advantage, then you just fill out that 8332 form listing the 19 year old and one of the 14 year-olds and give it to your ex. Then you paper file your return the way it should be done.
This won’t be neat and tidy. The IRS doesn’t much care about who claims who in a divorce. You’re giving the 8332 to back up your claim as to which children he’s allowed to claim. There will be paperwork – proving that you had the kids, etc. It will probably be long and drawn out. Good luck.
Hi Ney,
If your divorce decree was put into place before 2009, you can send a copy of the pages granting you the exemption along with your tax return. If your decree is from 2009 or later, that won’t fly. You will need your ex to sign an 8332 form for the year you are claiming your son. That’s the problem – getting her to sign that form.
The other thing is claiming the exemption properly. Your dicvorce decree gives you the exemption – that’s an exemption and the child tax credit. It does not give you EIC or the head of household filing status. This is important, she gets to keep those items, so she may have filed correctly if you tried claiming HH status on your child. Here’s a post that explains about splitting an exemption: http://robergtaxsolutions.com/2013/01/how-to-do-the-split-exemption-when-preparing-your-own-return/
Now I’m making an assumption here that even though you have joint custody, that the boy lives with her more – because you pay child support.
If both of your returns are filed correctly – as far as who really gets to claim what – then you should have a win/win situation.
But – if she’s intentionally claiming everything and not granting you your court ordered exemption, then she’s really violating the divorce decree – then you’ll need to discuss with your attorney about whether you take her to court over it or not.
Hi Ericka,
Let me answer the easy question first. You will know that someone has claimed your kids if your tax return gets rejected when you e-file.
Now, since your divorce decree has a condition – that he pay child support to claim your kids – then the divorce decree won’t hold water with the IRS. (You might want to double check the language there.) Also, if the decree was written in 2009 or later, then it won’t hold water with the IRS either. So you’re probably good to go for claiming your own kids.
But – since he’s not working anyway, it might not even be a fight. I’d just talk to him – (unless he’s a horrible creep – then I understand if you don’t.)
But here’s another thing – your divorce decree only gives him the right to claim your kids for exemptions – not for head of household or for EIC. So, if you haven’t been doing that, you might want to take a look at that as well. See this post to see what I’m talking about: Split exemptions
My boyfriend has a court order that grants him 75% of the return for 2 children. His ex will not cooperate with this court order and continually claims both children without giving him the 75% as the order states. She refuses to sign Form 8332. He filed in 2015 and claimed one child. The IRS audited him and the results of this was that he now owes the IRS $2,727.00 because he could not prove that the child he claimed lived with him for 6 months of the year. He sent a copy of the court order to the IRS. They sent a letter stating they were disallowing the head of household, EIC, and Child Tax Credit. Where do we go from here?
My ex claimed the wrong kid. He gets my 19 year old and 14 year old and I get the 16 year old and the other 14 year old. It says in our divorce decree. I never signed a 8332 form because I thought we were to keep it the same. I found out the reason why he didn’t want to claim the oldest because he’s in college and now I’m missing out on some of my tax return. Is there anything I can do? I’m very upset.
My son’s mother and I have Shared (Joint) Custody by court order. She gets odd years and I the even years. She claimed my son on my even year against the court order. We are unable to see eye to eye. She has always disregarded court decisions in the past. I filed my son per court order, child support up to date. What can I do to correct this issue? My tax preparer has helped me.
Hi if my ex is court ordered to pay child support and carry my kids on his taxes but he is not working and can’t pay child support can he still carry them or can I carry my own kids??? And what happens if someone else carry’s my kids without my knowledge what can I do or how can I find out??
Hi Jen,
Your ex gets to claim the exemption, you retain Head of household filing status and EIC.
My court order my ex claims my child but he lived with me..can i claim him
Hi Chris,
The IRS only accepts Court Orders from 2008 and earlier. Sorry.
Hi Alyssa,
Your fiance can claim the exemption and the child tax credit, but his ex can still claim the head of household filing status and the EIC for the child – if she qualifies. Maybe, if she knew that she could still claim the EIC she’d not be so angry. Here’s a post that might help: Split Exemptions
Hi Jan,
Your ex should be able to claim the exemption and the child tax credit as per the divorce decree, but you get to keep the Head of household filing status, the earned income tax credit, and the child care credit. Personally, I recommend not violating your court order, but the IRS is only concerned with where the children live. This post might help you: Split Exemption
My ex and I have a court order (since 2011) stating that we alternate claiming our daughter. This is the first time I was audited, and never used the 8332 before. We don’t communicate and I’m certain she will not sign the form. Would the IRS accept the court order stating this is my year to claim her?
Hi my fiance has court papers signed by the judge and both lawyers stating he is suppose to claim his son for tax purposes and his ex is suppose to claim his daughter for tax purposes. She’s claimed both kids the last three years and this year is the first time he’s actually been able to claim his son without being red flagged. Ex is furious and says it’s illegal for her to let him claim them since she has more overnights. She says she is going to take the actions necessary.
She herself has never once filed for the children it is her now husband who filed. My real question is if she goes to have hers amended or whatever she feels she needs to do so they stop his return to amend hers or would the just adjust his return for next year? He will be taking her to court for in contempt.
Hi my divorce stipulation says the Defendant will be entitled to claim the child as an income deduction and receive any applicable tax credits on behalf of the child every other year. My accountant says the tax laws override this? I’m the custodial parent and the child did not stay one night at his father’s. Can I use my child then?
Hi Phoenix,
Only the custodial parent may claim the child care credit. People mess that up all the time. Paper file your return, it will get straightened out. I would only claim what you actually paid since it’s well over the amount you can claim anyway.
And I figure there are probably plenty of reasons to get mad at your ex. But this one could quite easily be an honest mistake.
Hi, I am the custodial parent of two children age 3 and 8. My ex husband and I have a court-ordered agreement that he could claim both children last year and this year and after that each of us claims 1 child each year. Last year I claimed dependent care and filed HOH. I sent the 8332 forms to the IRS to allow him to claim them. This year, my return was just rejected because “someone else” has claimed the children for dependent care on their taxes. The IRS informed me to send in a paper return with proof that I am the custodial parent and they will make sure I get the credit and deal with him accordingly. My questions are: He has been ordered by the court to pay half of daycare although I paid $1,000 more than he did last year. 1. Do I list only the amount that I paid in daycare fees on my taxes, or can I list the entire amount paid between the two of us? I don’t know if it will make a big difference because of the credit limit of $600 per child. I paid over $7000. 2. By me submitting a paper return with proof does that automatically initiate an audit process? I asked him if he claimed them. He refuses to respond to me so at this point I have no other choice. I have not submitted the 8332 forms yet and I think I will wait to submit them until this is cleared up. Thank you!
Hi Jacqueline,
You tried to send him the 8332. You did your part. And – if he owes back child support – if he has a refund coming on his taxes, the IRS would take his refund to pay the child support. So, you’re right, if he doesn’t file – you don’t get his refund.
This is what I would do – I would file your return the way you are supposed to – not claiming the exemption and the child tax credit. Do claim head of household and EIC because you are still entitled to it. Then, after you’ve gotten your refund – and maybe wait until after April 15th – I would file an amended return claiming your child’s exemption and child tax credit. In the explanation in the 1040X, I would say “claiming child’s exemption and the child tax credit as the non-custodial parent chose not to claim him.”
Why do it this way? It covers your backside. If your ex is claiming the exemption – you filed a proper return and the amended return will be rejected. If your ex didn’t claim the exemption – you’re out his refund money – so you should claim what’s yours. And by spelling it out on the 1040X – you’re being completely open and transparent about what you’re doing and why.
Hi Justin,
You should be able to e-file your return. You just need to have the 8332 available to mail in if the IRS asks for it. What software are you using? Why don’t you try the one on my website: Do Your Own Taxes You can try it for free. Maybe you’ll get the answer you need there.
Hi Jenn,
Ahem. I’m not a lawyer, but it seems to me that just paying this month’s child support does not qualify as being “current.”
But, since I’m not a lawyer, lets talk about IRS stuff. A divorce decree that has conditions won’t hold up with the IRS. You would have to issue your ex a form 8332 for him to be able to claim the kids – so, you would be fine claiming them yourself (as far as the IRS is concerned.)
HI, I have a court order saying my child’s father claim one of my children. However, I’m not in contact with him. I’m willing to sign the 8332 form allowing him to get whatever credits, but I get no response back from him. Should I still file the 8332 form with my taxes? I think he maybe trying to evade paying back child support. Meaning if he doesn’t claim the child then I won’t get his tax return? Is that an accurate statement?
I am filling out my taxes and when I say Im the non custodial parent it requires me to get form 8332 filled out and I have that but it wont let me see what my amount is of my return when claiming my child why? How will I know how much of a return I am to receive? And why can’t I just e-file form 8332 with my tax return why does it have to be mailed?
If in our decree it stated the non custodial parent can claim the kid for even years if he is caught up on his child support obligation. He has never claimed the kid the other 8 years and paid support very sporadically, but this year he wants to. However he still owes me $17,987.27 but he paid this months child support. I think I should just keep filing and claiming her and work it out if the IRS asks me anything. Does that sound right?
Hi Kay,
If you ex claims your girls in even years and you claim the boys in odd years – well who claims the boys in even years? Sorry – I just got confused there.
To answer your real question, if your ex says that he can’t claim your girls this year – and he’s giving the exemption back to you. Have him put it in writing for you He doesn’t need to sign an 8332 for you – because you’re the custodial parent. But you should have him write you some type of note just to keep in your files.
As long as your husband doesn’t try to claim the girls – you won’t get in trouble with the IRS for this.
Hello, I’m a custodial mother of 4 children and my divorce decree states that my ex claims our 2 daughters beginning in 2016 for even years and I claim our 2 boys beginning in 2017 for odd years, can I claim our 2 daughters since he mentioned that he may not claim them for tax year 2016, if so, do I need a form or statement from him? My ex is a retired disable veteran and does not work. plus, he remarried last year to a woman with 5 children. I don’t want to get in trouble with the IRS so any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Kay
Hi James,
Remember, you ex doesn’t get to claim the Head of Household filing status or EIC. Make sure you at least claim that! Now, technically, if your ex wants to claim the kids, you are supposed to give her a form 8332. It seems to me that you shouldn’t sign that form until she pays the child support she owes. Just sayin’.
Of course, I can’t give legal advice, I’m not a lawyer. I was just thinking out loud.
Hey my name is James I got all the kids courts said mother has to pay 50% and she can claim 2 of our kids she aint paid not 1 cent im a single farther doing my best it’s like the courts take her side she works makes 900 a wk bring home 700 something she claims the kids and don’t deserve to
Hi Corina,
I’m not sure I understand your question.
Did you try to file your 1040 return and it got rejected? That would imply that your ex already filed and claimed the kids for HH and EIC. If that’s the case, then you need to paper file.
Or, did you try to file the 8832? You can’t file that for him, you can only print it out, sign it, and give it to him.
But, looking at the date you posted this – the IRS isn’t accepting efiled returns yet. So it’s possible that the reject is because the IRS e-file isn’t open yet. (It’s late this year.)
I hope that answers your question.
Hi Dan,
I’m guessing that your ex has custody of both children. That means you may only claim the exemption – and child tax credit, of your son. You do not get to claim him for head of household or EIC. Maybe if you ex understood that, she’d be more cooperative.
If not- well then you could go to court. (I’m not an attorney, I’m deferring to your lawyer here.) Or, you can always try filing first and see what she does. She might just quit if her tax return gets rejected.
Remember though, don’t claim more than you are entitled too – then you don’t have a chance. Yes, you really need the 8332 to win the case with the IRS, but if you two wind up in court – it sounds like you’ve got a court document allowing you to claim your son. The question becomes, how much fight does she have in her when she’s wrong?
I am the custodial parent. I qualify for EIC and the child care credit. I have offered to file a 8832 for for my ex husband so he can get the excemption. I tried to file and they rejected it? How do I file without it being rejected?
I have a court order that says I get my son for tax purposes. There are no contingencies on the order if I pay child support or not I paid 7000 to one state and then I was on disablity but now she refuses to sign the 8332 and the last 2 years have claimed my son and says she will do it again this year . Also she claims our daughter the court order agreement is that she gets our daughter and I get our son the judge told me I can sue her for damages. Kinda lost at what I should do or my rights she is making a federal case out of nothing
Hi Sandra,
So girlfriend talk-okay? There is a court order – so you don’t want to get in trouble with the court. But – the court order only allows her to claim the exemption. That gives her the exemption, and the child tax credit. If your income is low enough, your boyfriend could still qualify for EIC with the second child. That helps a lot.
Now – it might be worth your while to talk to the ex about claiming the exemption and child tax credit also. Now I’m doubting that she’ll say yes, but if she’s all for doing what’s right for the child – and the money will be spent on the child – well maybe she’ll go for it. (Okay, yeah, if this is really girlfriend talk – I don’t believe that either, I just had to say it. Every so often, good people do the right thing so we need to keep those options open.)
Hi Lamonica,
If you don’t have a court agreement stating who will claim the exemption, then the person who should claim the exemption is the person your child lives with. As you may already know – “should” and “do” don’t always go together. If you are entitled to claim your child, then do so. If he claims her (or him) and your return gets rejected, here’s a post for you: My Ex Claimed My Kid