Does TurboTax Require Form 8332 When Claiming Child Who Lives with Ex? (TurboTax Screenshot Included)
Filing my taxes with turbotax for 2023 and claiming my kid Tyler who lives with their mom. Will turbotax force me to get the 8332 form from my ex? Really dont want to deal with her if I dont have to. I'm currently in the screen on TurboTax that's asking me about my agreement with Tyler's other parent. It specifically asks "Do you have a written or verbal agreement with Tyler's other parent about who can claim Tyler?" with Yes/No options. Then it asks "Is Tyler's other parent claiming Tyler per your legal agreement?" with Yes/No options and a "What if I don't know?" link. There's also a warning message saying "Important: If you're giving away or receiving the right to claim a dependent, you might need IRS Form 8332." I see there's a link for "How do I check if I need to file Form 83" and options for Live help, Continue, and Back buttons. Since Tyler lives primarily with his mom and not with me, I'm worried TurboTax is going to force me to get that 8332 form from her. I really want to avoid that conversation if possible. Has anyone gone through this situation? Can I still claim him without getting that form from her?
13 comments


Sadie Benitez
Yes, if you're the non-custodial parent, you absolutely need Form 8332 signed by the custodial parent to claim the child as a dependent. TurboTax will require this documentation because the IRS requires it. Without it, your return will likely be rejected or audited.
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Abby Marshall
•ugh seriously? even if its in my divorce decree that i get to claim them?
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Sadie Benitez
•Yes, divorce decree isn't enough. IRS specifically wants the 8332. The decree can help you legally enforce getting the 8332, but can't replace it.
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Drew Hathaway
•Been there done that bro 🤮 had to take my ex back to court to force her to sign it
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Laila Prince
Hey! I actually used taxr.ai last week for a similar situation. It analyzed my transcript and showed me exactly what documentation I needed and potential audit flags. Saved me from a huge headache for only $4.99. Check it out at https://taxr.ai
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Isabel Vega
•how accurate is it? seems sus that AI can figure out tax stuff better than turbo tax 🤔
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Laila Prince
•Its actually pretty amazing. It reads your entire transcript and gives you specific guidance based on your situation. Way more detailed than the generic stuff you get from tax software.
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Isabel Vega
•Just tried it and OMG WHERE HAS THIS BEEN ALL MY LIFE?! It literally spelled everything out for me! 💯
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Dominique Adams
In the same boat rn... my ex is being impossible about signing anything smh
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Marilyn Dixon
idk why they make this stuff so complicated fr. like why cant they just look at the court orders 🤡
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Louisa Ramirez
•fr fr the whole system needs an overhaul
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TommyKapitz
Pro tip: get multiple signed copies of 8332 for future years when your ex is actually cooperating. Learned this the hard way lol
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Abby Marshall
•this is actually genius thank you 🙏
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