If only one taxpayer is the parent of the qualifying child, who is allowed to claim the child?

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Multiple Choice

If only one taxpayer is the parent of the qualifying child, who is allowed to claim the child?

The key idea is who has the right to claim a qualifying child when it comes to dependent eligibility and related credits. Usually, the custodial parent—the one the child lived with for more than half the year—claims the child as a dependent. This right can be transferred to the other parent only if the custodial parent signs Form 8332 releasing the exemption, which is relevant only when there are two parents. If there is only one parent in the situation, that single parent is the one who claims the child, since there isn’t another parent to share or release the claim. Provided the child meets the qualifying child tests (relationship, residency, age, etc.), this parent can claim the child for the dependent-related credits.

The key idea is who has the right to claim a qualifying child when it comes to dependent eligibility and related credits. Usually, the custodial parent—the one the child lived with for more than half the year—claims the child as a dependent. This right can be transferred to the other parent only if the custodial parent signs Form 8332 releasing the exemption, which is relevant only when there are two parents.

If there is only one parent in the situation, that single parent is the one who claims the child, since there isn’t another parent to share or release the claim. Provided the child meets the qualifying child tests (relationship, residency, age, etc.), this parent can claim the child for the dependent-related credits.

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