We are unmarried, but living together, and we are both the biological parents to our 3 children. Can we split the kids to file our separate tax return? Or only one parent who made the most should claim all the kids?
You'll need to sign in or create an account to connect with an expert.
You may split the kids anyway you want. Only if you can't agree on how to split them, does the highest income rule apply.
If you and the other parent live together, either one of you (but not both) may claim the child. You may decide between you which one will claim the child. Only if you can’t agree, do the IRS tie breaker rules apply, to see who has first choice. It may be worthwhile to prepare trial returns, both ways, to see which way the family comes out best. This tool may be useful: https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/calculators/taxcaster/?s=1.
A common error is when unmarried parents live together, If you and the other parent live together, only one of you can claim the child for any tax benefit. The interview is confusing (it's designed for divorced parents, who are allowed to split the child). The second parent should not enter the child, at all.
You may split the kids anyway you want. Only if you can't agree on how to split them, does the highest income rule apply.
If you and the other parent live together, either one of you (but not both) may claim the child. You may decide between you which one will claim the child. Only if you can’t agree, do the IRS tie breaker rules apply, to see who has first choice. It may be worthwhile to prepare trial returns, both ways, to see which way the family comes out best. This tool may be useful: https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/calculators/taxcaster/?s=1.
A common error is when unmarried parents live together, If you and the other parent live together, only one of you can claim the child for any tax benefit. The interview is confusing (it's designed for divorced parents, who are allowed to split the child). The second parent should not enter the child, at all.
Still have questions?
Make a postAsk questions and learn more about your taxes and finances.
babytstark
New Member
adamleev
New Member
supremegopher
New Member
Phatmama
New Member
priam_agrivar
Level 1
Did the information on this page answer your question?
You have clicked a link to a site outside of the TurboTax Community. By clicking "Continue", you will leave the Community and be taken to that site instead.