In a 50/50 or nearly equal custody situation, most parenting decisions are worked out together — school schedules, healthcare, extracurriculars.

But tax season is where things often get tense. The IRS doesn’t allow “split” dependency claims.

Only one parent can claim the child for the year, and without a plan, the decision can default to federal rules that don’t account for your family’s unique circumstances.

That’s where a co-parent tax agreement comes in. By deciding in advance who will claim the child, you can avoid last-minute disputes, protect your refund from delays, and ensure the credit benefits your child in the best way possible.

What Should You Include in a Co-Parent Tax Agreement?

An agreement doesn’t have to be lengthy or complicated, but it should be clear and thorough enough to prevent misunderstandings.

The goal is to outline exactly how the tax benefit will be handled each year so there’s no uncertainty when filing season arrives.

Think about the scenarios that might arise: changes in income, a shift in custody schedules, or a new tax law.

A strong agreement will address these variables upfront. Here are the core elements to include:

• Who will claim the child this year and in future years

• How often you’ll alternate (every year, every other year, etc.)

• Eligibility requirements (must meet IRS dependency rules and be current on child support)

• Plans for multiple children (e.g., one child each)

• How to handle changes in income, custody time, or living arrangements

Common Agreement Structures

Co-parents approach this decision in different ways, depending on their financial situations, relationship dynamics, and the number of children they share.

The right method for you depends on your priorities, whether that’s maximizing tax savings, keeping things equal over time, or meeting immediate financial needs.

Some of the most common approaches include:

• Alternating Years – Parent A claims in even-numbered years, Parent B in odd-numbered years.

• One Child Each – If there are two or more children, each parent claims one.

• Higher-Income Parent Claims – The parent in the higher tax bracket claims to maximize the credit and may share part of the refund with the other parent.

• Needs-Based – The parent who needs the benefit most claims it for that year, regardless of income.

Making It Official

An informal verbal agreement might work in high-trust situations, but it leaves you vulnerable if disagreements arise later.

A written agreement provides clarity, consistency, and a paper trail and it can be as simple or formal as you need.

Some parents choose to include the terms in their divorce decree or parenting plan, while others draft a separate document just for tax purposes. Either way, having it in writing means both parents know what to expect. You can:

• Include it in your divorce decree or custody agreement for legal enforceability.

• Sign a separate co-parenting tax agreement and have it notarized.

• Use IRS Form 8332 if the custodial parent is releasing their claim for that year.

What Happens If You Don’t Have an Agreement

When there’s no clear agreement, both parents may assume they have the right to claim the child and sometimes, both will file that way. This sets off an IRS process that can be slow, stressful, and potentially costly.

Here’s what typically happens:

1. Both returns get flagged by the IRS.

2. Refunds are delayed for weeks or even months.

3. The IRS applies its tiebreaker rules based on custody days or AGI.

4. In some cases, an audit may follow, especially if the situation repeats.

Tips for Keeping the Agreement Fair

A tax agreement should feel fair to both parents and be adaptable as circumstances change. Revisiting the plan annually is wise — children grow, incomes shift, and tax laws evolve.

Transparency is key, especially if AGI could impact the IRS’s tiebreaker decision.

Consider these tips to keep things equitable:

• Review the agreement each year to confirm it still works for both parties.

• Be open about income if the AGI rule might come into play.

• Factor in other tax benefits like childcare credits, and decide how they’ll be handled in alternate years.

The Bottomline

The IRS doesn’t care who “deserves” to claim a child more, it only cares about following its rules.

Without a clear plan, those rules will decide for you, and the outcome may not benefit your family in the way you intend.

By creating a written co-parent tax agreement before tax time, you stay in control of the decision.

That means fewer disputes, faster refunds, and a better chance that the benefit truly supports your child’s needs.

Tax Rules for Custodial Parents FAQs

What is the IRS tiebreaker rule?

If both parents have the same custody days, the IRS awards the claim to the parent with the higher adjusted gross income (AGI).

Do we have to use alternating years?

No. Alternating years is common, but you can agree to any arrangement that works — such as one parent always claiming, or splitting based on financial need.

Is a written agreement legally required?

It’s not required by the IRS, but it’s strongly recommended to avoid disputes. For extra protection, include it in your divorce decree or custody plan.

Can one parent claim the Child Tax Credit while the other claims child care expenses?

In most cases, the same parent must claim both. However, certain tax rules allow splitting benefits if you meet specific IRS criteria.