Question:   My husband and I were separated the last 11 months of the year and our two minor children lived with me for the greater part of the year. My husband provided all the financial support. Who can claim the children as dependents on the tax return?

Answer:   Since your children lived with you for the greater part of the year, you are considered the custodial parent. Generally, a child is the qualifying child of the custodial parent. Your husband may be able to claim an exemption for a child if you release a claim to exemption for the child by completing Form 8332 (PDF), Release/Revocation of Release of Claim to Exemption for Child by Custodial Parent, or by signing a substantially similar statement and your husband attaches it to his return.

• Note that if you release a claim to exemption for a child, you may not claim a 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 or parents who live apart.