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Get your taxes done using TurboTax
The question is: whom did your daughter live with for more than half the year during 2017? If it's you, then you are considered the custodial parent, and you are entitled to claim your daughter this year.
If the other person had physical custody, meaning your daughter lived with that person in 2017, then they are entitled to the exemption. Paying child support doesn't matter, unless that custodial parent agreed to let you claim the exemption and signed a Form 8332 or similar document to release the exemption to you.
If you file your return and claim an exemption for a dependent that has already been claimed by another taxpayer, the IRS will reject your return if you attempt to file electronically.
If you think that the other person incorrectly claimed your child as a dependent, and he/she has filed their tax return before you, the IRS will allow them the exemption. If you are the custodial parent, and the child lived with you for more than half the year, and you have not signed a Form 8332 or equivalent document allowing the other parent to claim him, then you are generally entitled to the exemption, assuming that you meet all the other requirements.
In order for you to claim the child, you would have to print your return and mail it, along with an explanation that you are the custodial parent and are entitled to claim the child. The IRS will then open both tax returns and make the determination as to who can claim the exemption.
Please see this link for more information.
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