William R. and Deborah L. Cramer - Page 6




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          dependent where the parents are divorced or separated.  See sec.            
          152(e).                                                                     
               Generally, if a child’s parents are divorced, the child is             
          in the custody of one or both for the year, and the parents                 
          provide over half of the child’s support, the custodial parent              
          (the parent with custody for the greatest portion of the year) is           
          treated as having provided over half of the child’s support for             
          the year, and that parent may deduct the exemption amount with              
          respect to such child for the year.  Sec. 152(e)(1).  The                   
          applicable regulations provide that “In the event of so-called              
          ‘split’ custody, * * * ‘custody’ will be deemed to be with the              
          parent who, as between both parents, has the physical custody of            
          the child for the greater portion of the calendar year.”  Sec.              
          1.152-4(b), Income Tax Regs.                                                
               The “noncustodial parent”, however, may claim the child as a           
          dependent if the custodial parent signs a written declaration               
          that such custodial parent will not claim such child as a                   
          dependent, and the noncustodial parent attaches such written                
          declaration to the noncustodial parent’s return for the taxable             
          year.  Sec. 152(e)(2).  The declaration required under section              
          152(e)(2) must be made either on a completed Form 8332, or on a             
          statement conforming to the substance of Form 8332.  See sec.               
          1.152-4T(a), Q&A-3, Temporary Income Tax Regs., 49 Fed. Reg.                








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