How do I claim child care credit without claiming dependent. Divorced late 2024, and I am custodial parent.

[berts311]

How do I go about processing this on my turbo tax return? All I see is potential forms needed (2441), and information about special circumstances, but I don't see what to do if you fall under one of these circumstances, which I do.

[xmasbaby0]

Are you the custodial parent?  Do you have an agreement with the other parent to allow the other parent to claim them--due to divorce or that you live apart and share custody?  Did one of you sign a Form 8332?

If there is a signed 8332 then the custodial parent retains the right to file as Head of Household, get earned income credit and the childcare credit.  The non-custodial parent gets the child tax credit for children under the age of 17.

If you and the other parent have a signed agreement, you need to indicate in MY INFO that you have such an agreement.

As far as the IRS is concerned, the custodial parent is the one with whom the child spent the most nights during the tax year--at least 183 nights.