And....just to add.....If your soon to be ex spouse files first and claims the children on a tax return, your own e-file will be rejected. To prevent that from happening, get IP PINs from the IRS for the children and use them on your own tax return.
GET IP pin in order to e-file if your dependent’s SSN was claimed on another return
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-takes-steps-to-help-prevent-refund-delays-by-accepting-duplicate-de...
https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin
The other remedy to an e-file rejected for duplicate use of a child's SSN is to file your own return that claims the children by mail. Then the IRS will sort out the duplicate use of the children's SSN's. As far as the IRS is concerned, what matters is who has had physical custody of the children.
**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
