You need to go back and file an amended tax return for 2016 that includes form 5405. You will use that form to tell the IRS that you transferred full ownership to your ex in a divorce, that will also transfer responsibility for the credit to your ex. If you get the amended 2016 return mailed before April 15, you will also get your 2016 payment of $250 refunded to you. Then you can also file amended returns for 2017 and 2018 to request refunds of those $250 payments. For 2019 you do not owe a $250 payment, but because the IRS database thinks you do, you need to print your tax return and file by mail.
To give up and include another payment, run the interview for the credit repayment and answer that you still live in the home. I’m sure your ex will appreciate you paying an extra $1000 of his or her debt for them. I would rather keep my own money.
