Kyliepower, my ex and I went to an accountant together that year to figure things out when I was in your kid's father's position (unpleasant surprise when I couldn't e-file). We figured out that I am always head of household since I have primary physical custody, we just take turns claiming our kid as a dependent BUT ex should never check "Head of Household." This delayed my own tax return, Ex filed an amendment (wasn't in trouble, but do that yourself soon and call the help line if you need help figuring it out), then ex had to return some of the refund he'd received (which was a bummer for him to end up with less than he'd expected). And I got my own refund waaaaay late that year. And yeah, we'd both just answered the TurboTax questions and this is why I now see that accountant every year rather than do it myself through this online software. It's a real problem that TT makes it seem so easy to just answer questions, without clarifying the difference between claiming a dependent vs. listing oneself as head of household. Also, only head of household gets to claim the child care expense either I believe. Ugh, this is why I just go see the accountant instead. Worth the money!
