I need clarification on EIC and/versus dependents.

[codyzip98]

I have claimed 2 of my 3 children but following the Turbotax guide I entered a 3rd as a not qualified child. Now my ex can not claim the 3rd because of this. Why is this and what can be done so he can claim this 3rd child? I guess I should have completely left the 3rd off my information but was following TurboTax instructions.

[Texas Roger · Accepted solution]

If you are the custodial parent who all 3 children lived with more than half the year, then it sounds like you entered the 3rd child correctly. Look beside the child's name in Personal Info. It should say non dependent for EIC/child care only. This means you are claiming the qualifying child benefits such as EIC but releasing the dependency exemption to the ex. If that is what it says and you are the custodial parent, then your ex is the one who entered the child incorrectly. He or she apparently indicated that he or she was the custodial parent who the child lived with more than half the year.

He or she must change their tax return to indicate the child lived with them 5 months or less in order to not claim the qualifying child benefits but only the dependency exemption.

[codyzip98]

How will this affect his return?

[Texas Roger]

He would get the dependency exemption of $4050 and be eligible for the child tax credit of $1000 (for a child under age 17). He would not be eligible for EIC, child care credit (for a child under 13), or be able to file as head of household unless he had another qualifying child.

[codyzip98]

Approx how much money is he loosing with not being able to file EIC?

[Texas Roger]

Thatis impossible to answer without knowing his income and filing status. You can see the amount on this table: <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://apps.irs.gov/app/vita/content/globalmedia/earned_income_credit_table_1040i.pdf">https://apps...>