Can i claim my foster children

[macuser_22]

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@Slhurst90 wrote:

I have a question. Ok my children were placed with my mom my the courts right after xmas 2020 until July 16th 2021. So she had them for 6 & a half months and they are now back with me. Since it was court ordered is there a way for her to claim them for the time she had them and then I claim them for the time I have them or does she have to claim them for the whole year? And if she does, will it come back on me since I'm getting the monthly ctc payments for them but I had them back when the payments started? 

Any info will help please. We just need to know how we are suppose to go about this. 

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A dependent can only be claimed by one tax payer and cannot be split.

See my previous answer - only the parent, or foster parent that the child physically lived with more then half the year (more then 183 nights) can claim.

[zielot111]

For the question "Do you have a written or verbal agreement with (FOSTER CHILD)'s other parent about who can claim FOSTER CHILD?"   what should be answered there?  Since the baby came to our home, we have not heard one word from the bio parents.   I have no agreement with them but I was told from the case worker that I can claim the baby.  How should this be answered.

[xmasbaby0]

Say NO.

[AMP19]

I’ve established that I can claim my fosters. What if I cannot get their social security number?

[DoninGA]

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@AMP19 wrote:

I’ve established that I can claim my fosters. What if I cannot get their social security number?

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The child must have a valid Social Security number before they can be claimed as a dependent on a tax return.

[AMP19]

I’m sure they have numbers, but fostering being what it is throes numbers are lost in the system 

[DoninGA]

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@AMP19 wrote:

I’m sure they have numbers, but fostering being what it is throes numbers are lost in the system 

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Contact the agency in your state/county that placed the children with you.  They should be able to assist you in obtaining their SSN's.

[DoninGA]

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@AMP19 wrote:

I’m sure they have numbers, but fostering being what it is throes numbers are lost in the system 

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Another option is for you to contact the local Social Security office.  Explain your situation and find out what paperwork is required for you to obtain the SSN's for the children.