here is the twist - and there is a lot of misunderstanding on this..
no, you do not have to claim your child. It is your option. The IRS simply does not care.
HOWEVER,
your child is asked the question on HIS tax return, CAN someone else claim you. It doesn't ask DID someone else claim you. So regardless of whether the parent decides to claim the child or not, the child must answer "YES", he CAN be claimed.... and therefore is not eligible for the stimulus.
The IRS always wins :(
