how do I change my dependent I'm claiming this year? my ex and I agreed to switch

Forum|Forum|4 months ago
January 15, 2026
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TurboTax Online

Best answer by Mike9241

Are you the custodial parent (CP)? The one with whom the child spent most of the nights during the year. You add him/her under the Personal Info tab. If you are not the CP, you must get Form 8332 from the other parent. It must be sent to the IRS. You can use Form 8453 to mail this form if you want to e-file. Turbotax has no provision to attach a manual form to an e-filed return.

If you are the NonCP you get the Child Tax Credit, while the CP retains, if qualified, the Child and Dependent Care Credit, Earned Income Credit, Head of Household filing status (unless remarried), Income Exclusion of Employer-Provided Dependent Care Assistance

Mike9241

Answer

Level 15

Opus 17

Level 15

Just run the dependent interview again and change your answers.

If you are the parent who has custody more than half the year, answer that the child lived with you more than half the year (pick 7 months or more), that there is a custody agreement, and you will give the non-custodial parent a signed form 8332. You will be eligible for certain benefits that belong to the parent who had majority physical custody that can't be shared or transferred.

If you are the parent who has custody less than half the year, answer that the child lived with you less than half the year (pick 5 months or less), that there is a custody agreement, and you will receive a signed form 8332 from the custodial parent. You will be eligible for the child tax credit but not the other benefits that stay with the custodial parent. You will also have to mail the original signed from 8332 after you file.