Basically it is this the parent that filed their taxes first gets the credits on their return. Same with the stimulus. It is absolutely not true both parents will get it. Their 2020 return filed is the most recent return and thats what the irs will use with those corresponding social security numbers and then after you paper file the irs will pay out your refund as well but several months later you will get a letter giving you an option to amend your return saying someone else has filed and if your in the right fine dont do anything they will ask the other parent for proof then they will ask you . The process takes 1yr or more because they beat you to the punch so they get both the credits and stimulus. Now next years taxes filing 2021 in 2022 you have the option to then try to claim the stimulus money for 2020.
