Divorced parents with 2 kids. Each parent claims 1 kid as a dependent. However, each parent pays exactly 1/2 of the TOTAL day care expenses for both kids. Suggestions?

[joe6558]

The custody arrangement is 50/50, so their is no true “custodial” parent, because custody is shared equally.   I want both parents to get tax benefits for what each of them pays for day care.

[ZoltanB45]

Each parent would enter 1 of the child and dependent care forms.  If you have different child care providers and 1 of the providers was much more expensive than the other, then you guys would have to make an agreement. 

The only way you can claim the child care credit for your non-dependent child is if you had custody. Then the other parent would not be able to take the credit.