I filed my 2018 return. It came back rejected due to my ex claiming our 1 child when according to our divorce agreement, I am to claim her in even-numbered years. I found this on TurboTax:
The Form 8332 is handled separately from the e-file. It cannot be electronically transmitted or attached to an e-filed return. The non-custodial parent must mail it, along with an IRS Transmittal Form. (The tax return can still be e-filed, just not the Form 8332.) The custodial parent will print and sign the form, then deliver it to the non-custodial parent who will then send it to the IRS along with the Transmittal Form. The non-custodial parent will mail the transmittal form along with the signed Form 8332 within 3 business days after acknowledgement that the IRS has accepted the e-filed tax return.
My questions are: Do I go back and change my return so my daughter is not a dependent and e-file? Then submit the 8332 and the Transmittal forms by mail? Or do I not e-file and mail the tax return, the 8332, and the Transmittal form instead? Which one should I do?
I am assuming you are the non-custodial parent (your daughter lives with your ex). The custodial parent (your ex) can still claim your child for EIC, Child Care Credit, and Head of Household purposes, while you will claim your daughter in order to receive the child tax credit.
What most likely happened is that your ex already filed, and included your daughter on the return to claim the EIC, Child Care, and/or HoH. This is why you are seeing the rejection on your return, as her SSN has already been reported on another tax return. You can leave her on your return as your dependent, but will need to print, sigh, and mail your return. The 8332 can be included with your return. No transmittal form will be necessary, as it is being sent with the complete return.