Both parents can attempt to claim a child as a dependent, but ultimately only one can claim them. When two parents try to claim the same child, the second parent to attempt e-filing their return will have it rejected. They will then need to either paper file with the dependent, or remove the dependent and e-file.
If the second parent chooses to paper file, both parents will receive IRS notices and need to give additional information. The IRS will determine who gets the dependent based on how many nights the dependent spent at each house.
I would recommend communicating with the other parent to aviod multiple IRS notices.
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