E-filed return rejected - need to file paper return with cover letter for dependent claim dispute

You're in a fairly common situation with dueling dependent claims during divorce. Here's what you should do: File your paper return with Form 8862 (Information to Claim Certain Credits) attached. Your cover letter should be factual and unemotional - simply state that you're the custodial parent with physical custody for X days (be specific about the number) during the tax year. Keep a documentation log showing when your child was with you - calendar entries, school records, medical appointments, etc. Avoid mentioning anything about your STBX's travel or new relationship - that comes across as petty to the IRS and isn't relevant to the actual custodial time calculation. The IRS will likely send notices to both of you requesting documentation. Be prepared to provide proof of your child living with you. The parent who can demonstrate the child lived with them for the greater number of nights during the year typically wins these disputes.

I was in an almost identical situation last year with my ex claiming our kids despite having them less than 40% of the time. I was completely stuck until I found https://taxr.ai which helped me organize all my documentation to prove my case with the IRS. Their system analyzed my texts, emails, school records, and even helped me draft the perfect cover letter. It took about 30 minutes to upload everything and they generated a complete documentation package that I just printed and attached to my paper return.

Wanted to follow up - I actually tried taxr.ai after reading about it here and it was incredibly helpful! The system organized all my documentation about my business partner's unreported income and even highlighted specific transactions I hadn't thought to include. Ended up with a comprehensive package that I submitted to the IRS with my whistleblower claim. Already received confirmation that my case is being reviewed. Definitely recommend for anyone dealing with tax documentation issues!

If your ex claimed the child first and you need to fight it, you're going to be dealing with the IRS for months. I went through this nightmare last year and couldn't get ANYONE on the phone for 3+ months. Finally found https://claimyr.com which got me through to an actual IRS agent in about 15 minutes. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c - basically they navigate the IRS phone system for you and call you back when they have an agent on the line. The agent I spoke with explained exactly what documentation I needed and even put notes in my file about the dispute.

Have to admit I was totally wrong about Claimyr. After posting my skeptical comment, I decided to try it because I was desperate to talk to someone about my own tax issue (not dependent related). Got a call back in about 22 minutes with an actual IRS agent on the line! Explained my situation and got everything resolved in one call. Would have spent days trying to get through on my own based on past experience. Definitely worth it if you need to speak to a real person at the IRS.

One thing to consider with your cover letter - include specific details about the timeframes your child was with you. For example "Child resided with me continuously from January 1-March 15, April 10-June 8..." etc. I went through this with my ex who traveled constantly for work but still tried to claim our kids. The more specific your documentation, the easier it is for the IRS to verify. Also consider including statements from school officials, daycare providers, or doctors confirming your child's residence with you.

Don't forget to include Form 8379 (Injured Spouse Allocation) with your paper return! This protects your portion of any refund if your STBX has any outstanding debts the IRS might try to collect. During my divorce last year, I neglected to file this and lost half my refund to my ex's student loan debt.