If parents are divorced, may the noncustodial parent claim the dependency exemption and the dependent care credit and the custodial parent claim the EITC?
No. Generally, only one person may claim all the child-related tax benefits for a child, including the dependency exemption, the child tax credit, the dependent care credit, the exclusion for dependent care benefits, head of household filing status, and the EITC The exception is the special rule for divorced or separated parents or parents who live apart for the last 6 months of the calendar year. Under this special rule, the noncustodial parent may claim the dependency exemption for a child if the custodial parent releases the exemption. Also, the noncustodial parent may claim the child tax credit if the other requirements for the child tax credit are met. Only the custodial parent may claim the dependent care credit. Usually, only the custodial parent may claim the EITC, because the child must meet the residency test for qualifying child, that is, the child must live with the parent for more than six months of the year except for temporary absences. Generally, custody is determined b
