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New Member
posted May 31, 2019 8:29:32 PM

Is there a way on Turbo Tax to copy and attach Form 8332 (Release/Revocation of Claim to Exemption for Child by Custodial Parent) to my paperless return and still e-file?

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11 Replies
Level 15
May 31, 2019 8:29:34 PM

You can e-file, then you mail the 8332 separately with a cover letter that Turbotax will tell you to print out.

New Member
May 31, 2019 8:29:35 PM

Where can I find the cover letter?

Level 15
May 31, 2019 8:29:37 PM

It's called form 8453, see link
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/uac/about-form-8453">https://www.irs.gov/uac/about-form-8453</a>

There are 8-10 specific types of paper documentation that the IRS allows to be mailed after e-filing, using the 8453 cover letter so that the documents you mail in can be associated with your e-file.  (Other kinds of documents that can't be attached will require that you mail your whole return.  But 8332 is one that you can use the cover letter for.)

You can download and print out a copy from the IRS web site, but I'm pretty sure turbotax will print one out for you if you follow the instructions.

Level 2
Feb 24, 2025 12:18:53 PM

Is this only after the return has been accepted by both federal and state? Will TurboTx give me the next steps so I can print these forms out?

 

Expert Alumni
Feb 25, 2025 9:30:52 AM

TurboTax fills out Form 8453 for you, and is included in your return.  Normally, you don't have to mail it, just keep it for documentation with your tax files.

 

If your Form 8453 has any boxes checked, you'll need to mail those forms with Form 8453 as a cover sheet.

 

Here's more info on Form 8453.

 

@highreturn 

 

 

 

 

Level 2
Feb 27, 2025 3:08:35 PM

I printed out my return they both have been accepted, but it didn't print out the form 8453 or the forms for the custodial parent to sign. It did last year I don't know what it didn't this time. 

Level 2
Feb 27, 2025 3:10:52 PM

It didn't print out the form 8453 or forms 8332. 

what do i do now.

 

Expert Alumni
Feb 27, 2025 3:18:35 PM

If you select View/Print/Save your return, when the Form Selection window opens, you can select certain forms to print.

 

@highreturn 

 

Level 15
Feb 27, 2025 3:21:14 PM


@highreturn wrote:

It didn't print out the form 8453 or forms 8332. 

what do i do now.

 


If you are not the custodial parent, you can't claim a dependent without form 8332.  But, what did you tell Turbotax when you entered the dependent's information?  Did you say they lived with you all year, or more than half the year?  (Which would be incorrect.). Or did you say they lived with you less than half the year, and the other parent gave you a signed form 8332?

 

If you answered they lived with you more than half the year, then you bypassed the custody issue.  You may also have claimed some incorrect tax benefits.  You may need to prepare and file an amended return by changing your answers to the custody questions. 

 

When you download or print your tax return, or download "All forms and worksheets", the first page is instructions and it should tell you that you need to mail form 8332 and form 8453 to the IRS, and the package should contain a copy of form 8453.  Turbotax won't print a copy of form 8332 for you, since that needs to be signed and given to you by the other parent.  You can print a copy here.

https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8332

Level 2
Feb 28, 2025 1:46:30 PM

I entered all the information correctly. We have a divorce decree that states I can claim them every other year. Back in 2022 I was able to claim them per our agreement and I had her sign the Form 8332 for all three, in 2022 it printed the form 8453 for me and the form 8332 for only two I had to print another form 8332 for my third child. I contacted a friend who is a CPA and he stated that because it was more than 2 children that I needed to print the extra 8332 form. I just was curious as to why it didn't this year. 

Expert Alumni
Mar 1, 2025 8:33:00 AM

Form 8453 and Form 8332 are both forms that are not included in your Efile.  Keep these forms with your tax files.

 

When you view/save a copy of your return, you can select individual forms to print.

 

@highreturn