Thanks for the explanation @DawnC . One further question.
I have a signed 8332 where the child's mother gets to claim the exemption for even numbered years and I get him in odd numbered years. We split custody and expenses 50/50. Not sure if this impacts the situation, but she has remarried and has had a 2nd kid, so if you look at her AGI combined with her new husband it is higher than mine, but strictly comparing her AGI to mine, I believe I have the higher AGI.
For tax year 2024 I did not claim my son as a dependent, but I did claim Head of Household and Childcare Expense deductions. For the first time ever, I got my return rejected by the IRS. "F2441-526-01 - Each Form 2441 'QualifyingPersonSSN' provided must not be the same as a Form 2441 'QualifyingPersonSSN' of another accepted tax return for the same tax year."
The question is:
1) am I entitled to claim the Head of Household and Dependent Care Expenses for the years she can claim the dependent deduction per Form 8332?
2) Assuming I can file as HoH and get a deduction for Childcare Expenses, what are my next steps? Do I have to call the IRS or does she have to file an amendment (and if she's unwilling?)
