Let's go back. Where did your children physically live more than half the nights of the year? That is the only parent who has the automatic right to claim a child as a dependent. Do you have a written agreement for the non-custodial parent to claim one or both children?
You said your ex was rejected AND the IRS reduced your return? Did you get a letter from the IRS? Why exactly did they reduce your refund (dependent problem, stimulus rebate, or something else)?
