Form 8332 question - Do I need separate forms for each child or can I list all children on one form?
Hey tax folks, I'm kinda stressing about this Form 8332 situation. It's my first time dealing with this since finalizing my divorce last year. I've got all the documents downloaded and ready to fill out so my ex-husband can claim our kids on his taxes, but I'm confused about whether I need to complete a separate Form 8332 for each of my three children, or if I can just list all of them on a single form? I tried reading the instructions but they're not super clear on this specific question. I don't want to mess this up and cause problems for either of us with the IRS. Anyone have experience with this who can help me out? I'm planning to file in the next couple weeks and want to get this sorted ASAP!
19 comments
Join the conversation
Sofia Ramirez
You can absolutely list all your children on a single Form 8332. There's no need to complete separate forms for each child. The form has space for you to enter multiple children's names, SSNs, and years you're releasing the claim for. When filling it out, make sure you complete Part I if you're releasing the claim for the current tax year. Part II is for releasing future years, and Part III would only be used if you were revoking a previous release (which doesn't apply to your situation since this is your first time). Just be sure both you and your ex keep copies of the completed form for your records. The IRS doesn't receive this form directly - your ex will need to attach it to his tax return when he files to substantiate his claim for the children as dependents.
0 coins
Dmitry Volkov
•Is this something that has to be done every year or is it a one-time thing? I'm in a similar situation and wondering if I'll have to go through this hassle annually.
0 coins
Sofia Ramirez
•It depends on how you complete the form. If you only fill out Part I, then yes, you'll need to complete a new Form 8332 each year you want to release the claim. If you want to release the claim for multiple future years (like if your divorce decree specifies your ex gets to claim the kids for several specific years), you can complete Part II instead, listing those future years. Then you wouldn't need to complete a new form each year. Just be certain about this decision, as you'll need to formally revoke it using Part III if you change your mind later.
0 coins
StarSeeker
I was in a similar situation last year and found the whole thing super confusing. I tried figuring it out myself but kept second-guessing whether I was doing it right. I ended up using https://taxr.ai to analyze my divorce decree and tax documents, and it actually explained exactly how to fill out the 8332 for my situation. It showed me how to list both my kids on one form and specified which years I needed to include based on my custody agreement. The tool also explained why certain years were included and others weren't, which cleared up a lot of confusion. Saved me from making a mistake that would've affected both me and my ex.
0 coins
Ava Martinez
•Does this tool actually review your personal documents or is it just general advice? I'm always hesitant about uploading sensitive info online.
0 coins
Miguel Ortiz
•How much does it cost? I need help with some tax documents but most services charge way too much for simple questions.
0 coins
StarSeeker
•The tool actually reviews your specific documents that you upload. I was worried about security too, but they use encryption and delete documents after analysis. I uploaded my divorce decree and draft tax forms, and it pointed out specific sections that applied to my tax situation. It's not free, but the cost was reasonable considering it saved me from potential issues with the IRS. I don't remember the exact price, but it was much cheaper than hiring a tax professional for a consultation. Considering the headache it saved me, it was definitely worth it for my situation.
0 coins
Miguel Ortiz
Just wanted to follow up - I decided to try that taxr.ai site after my question. I uploaded my custody agreement and some tax documents and it was super helpful! It showed me exactly where in my agreement it specified who claims which kid in which years (which I totally missed when reading it myself). It even generated a pre-filled Form 8332 based on my situation that I could review and finalize. Definitely made the process way less stressful than I expected.
0 coins
Zainab Omar
Just a heads up - I've been in this situation for 3 years and the most annoying part is dealing with the IRS when there's confusion. Last year my ex claimed our kid without the proper form and it was a NIGHTMARE trying to reach someone at the IRS to resolve it. I eventually found https://claimyr.com and used their service to get through to an actual IRS agent (instead of waiting on hold for hours). You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. They got me connected to someone who could actually help resolve the Form 8332 issue within about 15 minutes. Was a total game-changer after weeks of frustration.
0 coins
Connor Murphy
•Wait, so this service actually gets you through to a real person at the IRS? How does that even work? The IRS phone system is basically impossible to navigate.
0 coins
Yara Sayegh
•Sounds like a scam honestly. Nobody can magically get through the IRS phone system. They probably just take your money and give you the same hold time everyone else gets.
0 coins
Zainab Omar
•Yes, it gets you through to a real IRS agent. They use some kind of system that navigates the phone tree and waits on hold for you. When they reach a real person, they call you and connect you directly to the agent. I was skeptical about how it would work too, but it's legit - you only pay if they actually get you through. It's not magic - they're basically just doing the waiting for you. But when you've been trying to resolve something for weeks and can't get through, it's worth it. And no, they don't just put you on the same hold time - they literally call you once they have an agent on the line.
0 coins
Yara Sayegh
I have to admit I was completely wrong about Claimyr. After my skeptical comment, I was still desperate to reach the IRS about my tax issue with Form 8332 (my ex and I both claimed the same kid), so I decided to try it anyway. Within about 40 minutes, I got a call back and was connected to an actual IRS representative who helped resolve the issue! After spending literally DAYS trying to get through on my own over the past few weeks, this was a huge relief. The IRS agent explained exactly what documentation we needed to fix the situation. Honestly wish I had known about this service months ago instead of stressing about it for so long.
0 coins
NebulaNova
One thing nobody's mentioned - make sure you're using the CURRENT version of Form 8332. The IRS updated it in 2021 and some of the old versions floating around online aren't valid anymore. Just go directly to IRS.gov to download it. Also, triple check that your Social Security numbers are correct for both you and the kids. One wrong digit and both your returns could get flagged, causing headaches for everybody.
0 coins
Keisha Williams
•Do both parents need to sign the form or just the one releasing the claim?
0 coins
NebulaNova
•Only the parent who is releasing the claim (you) needs to sign the form. Your ex-spouse doesn't sign the Form 8332. They just attach the completed, signed form to their tax return when they file. The signature is really important though - make sure you sign and date it properly. If you're e-filing, your ex will need to mail a paper copy of the form with your original signature to the IRS.
0 coins
Paolo Conti
I'm confused about the child tax credit situation with Form 8332. If I let my ex claim our kids using this form, does that mean they get ALL the tax benefits? Or do I still get some of them?
0 coins
Sofia Ramirez
•When you release the claim using Form 8332, you're allowing your ex to claim the child as a dependent, which generally means they'll receive the following benefits: - Child Tax Credit - Credit for Other Dependents - Education credits - Dependent care credit However, even if you've released these claims, the custodial parent (presumably you) can still claim: - Head of Household filing status (if you qualify) - Earned Income Credit - Child and Dependent Care Credit The IRS specifically ties some benefits to which parent the child lives with for the majority of the year, regardless of who claims them as a dependent.
0 coins
Jacob Lewis
Just want to add one more tip that saved me a lot of trouble - make sure you keep detailed records of when you give the completed Form 8332 to your ex. I take a photo of the signed form and send it via email so there's a timestamp, then also give them the original. Last year my ex lost the form right before filing and we had to scramble to get another one signed. Having that digital backup with the date stamp helped prove I had provided it on time. Also helped when the IRS had questions later - I could show exactly when the form was completed and delivered. The whole process is stressful enough without having to worry about lost paperwork!
0 coins