JulieR
Expert Alumni

Get your taxes done using TurboTax

You may still file your return and claim your children as dependents but, because the other parent has also claimed them, you will not be able to e-file your return. You will need to print out the return and file by mail.  (see How To Print & Mail A Return)

Tax law permits only one taxpayer may claim any one person as a dependent on a tax return (except, of course, in the case of a married couple filing jointly). If you file your tax return and someone else has already claimed your dependent, then the IRS will apply the tiebreaker rules. IRS will send a letter to both parties claiming the same dependents that may request additional information.  

The rules for claiming a dependent are detailed below. https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/5187060