Question:   May divorced or legally separated parents split the dependency exemption for a child?

Answer:   Only one taxpayer may claim a dependency exemption for a child in a tax year. Generally, the child is the qualifying child of the custodial parent.

However, the child may be treated as the qualifying child or qualifying relative of the noncustodial parent if certain conditions are met:

• The custodial parent signs a Form 8332 (PDF), Release/Revocation of Release of Claim to Exemption for Child by Custodial Parent or a substantially similar statement and the noncustodial parent attaches it to his or her return.
• Note that if the custodial parent releases a claim to exemption for a child, the custodial parent may not claim the Child Tax Credit for that child.

Refer to Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information or Publication 504, Divorced or Separated Individuals, for more information on the special rule for children of divorced or separated parents.