Generally, only the custodial parent is eligible to claim the following tax breaks:
• the dependent's personal exemption
• head of household filing status (if applicable)
• child and dependent care tax credit ***
• child tax credit and additional child tax credit
• earned income tax credit, and
• exclusion for dependent care benefits
However, the custodial parent can waive his or her right to claim a dependent in favor of the non-custodial parent. The non-custodial parent would then be able to claim:
• the dependent's personal exemption,
• child tax credit and additional child tax credit, and
• tuition and fees deduction or the education tax credits
