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7.2 Child Care Credit/Other Credits : Child Tax Credit

Can a custodial parent claim the Child Tax Credit if the noncustodial parent claims the child as a dependent due to the divorce agreement?

The custodial parent cannot claim the Child Tax Credit for a child in the tax year that the noncustodial parent takes the exemption for that child. Please refer to the 1040 Instruction Booklet index for the Child Tax Credit. The referenced pages will explain who qualifies for this credit and how to calculate it.

References:

Does the Form 8332 (used to release the exemption to the noncustodial parent) affect the Child Tax Credit?

Yes. The Child Tax Credit can only be claimed by the parent claiming the exemption. In this case the noncustodial parent would qualify for the dependency exemption and therefore the child tax credit. Please refer to the Instructions for Form 1040 or the Instructions for Form 1040A index for Child Tax Credit. The referenced pages will explain who qualifies for this credit, and how to calculate it.

References:

Can you file for the Child Tax Credit and the Child Care Credit, too?

The Child Tax Credit and the Child and Dependent Care Credit can both be claimed on the same return. They can be claimed on either Form 1040 (PDF), U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, or Form 1040A (PDF), U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. Please refer to the Instructions for Form 1040 or the Instructions for Form 1040A index for the Child Tax Credit. The referenced pages will explain who qualifies for the Child Tax Credit, and how to calculate it. Publication 503, Child and Dependent Care Expenses, has more information for the child care credit.

References:

If I file using filing status married filing separately, can I still claim the Additional Child Credit?

Yes. You will need to complete Form 8812 (PDF), Additional Child Tax Credit, and attach it to your Form 1040 or 1040A. Please refer to the Instructions for Form 1040 or the Instructions for Form 1040A index for the Child Tax Credit. The referenced pages will explain who qualifies for the Child Tax Credit, and how to calculate it.

References:

Does a grandchild, who is a dependent, qualify for the Child Tax Credit?

Your grandchild under the age of 17 who is your dependent and is a U.S. citizen or resident alien is a qualifying child for the child tax credit. Please refer to the Instructions for Form 1040 or the Instructions for Form 1040A index for the Child Tax Credit. The referenced pages will explain who qualifies for the Child Tax Credit, and how to calculate it.

References:

Can I get the Child Tax Credit for a child with an ITIN, not a social security number?

Yes, with an individual tax identification number (ITIN), you can claim the Child Tax Credit if you otherwise qualify. The Child Tax Credit can only be claimed by the parent claiming the child as a dependent.

Please refer to the Instructions for Form 1040 or the Instructions for Form 1040A index for the Child Tax Credit. The referenced pages will explain who qualifies for the Child Tax Credit, and how to calculate it.

References:

My child lived for only 12 days and I never received a social security number, because the Social Security Administration will not issue a social security number for a deceased child. Can I still qualify for the Child Tax Credit?

Yes, you may attach a copy of the child's birth certificate and enter "DIED" in column 2 of line 6c. You will also need to put a check mark in column 4 of line 6c. Please refer to the Instructions for Form 1040 or the Instructions for Form 1040A index for the Child Tax Credit. The referenced pages will explain who qualifies for the Child Tax Credit, and how to calculate it.

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