IRS Process After Both Parents Claim Same Exemption
When divorced parents both claim a child on their taxes, after the initial letter sent by the IRS, what is the process and how does it work? After talking to the IRS, I fully anticipate getting the exemption. I understand the criteria, and meet it, but what is the process like? Is it all letters, phone calls, etc.?
Re: IRS Process After Both Parents Claim Same Exemption
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Mishka2008
When divorced parents both claim a child on their taxes, after the initial letter sent by the IRS, what is the process and how does it work? After talking to the IRS, I fully anticipate getting the exemption. I understand the criteria, and meet it, but what is the process like? Is it all letters, phone calls, etc.?
Its mostly done via letters.
Re: IRS Process After Both Parents Claim Same Exemption
When the IRS detects that two people have claimed an exemption for the same dependent, they first send a letter explaining the rules and instructing the person not entitled to the exemption to amend their return. Then they wait. If nobody responds then they start to dig deeper. They will ask for proof that the child lived with you. They will want school records, medical records, immunization records, etc. listing the child's address as being the same as the person claiming them. They will ask if either party has a divorce decree entitling them to claim the exemption. They will ask each person to provide proof of all the elements necessary to claim an exemption. Then they will determine who meets the rules, and beging collection actions against the person who owes money back to them. For purposes of Earned Income Credit they may also ask for birth certificates proving a qualifying relationship with the child in addition to proof of residency.