What is the name of your state? MA
I have a few questions regarding claiming my two children for tax purposes. My wife and I separated at the end of March 06 and she took the kids and moved in with her parents. My wife did not work at all in 06. Her parents said they are going to claim the children.
According to their C.P.A. and mine, the parents are entitled to claim the kids because they have lived with them for more than half the year. My attorney disagrees, saying I should claim them. She said as long as my wife signs a joint return with me, her parents have no claim. Who is correct? Also, I’m not sure I’ll be able to get my wife to file jointly w/me. If she refuses, is there any way I can still claim them?
As I said, my wife doesn’t work; I provide child support which is their sole source of income. According to the financial statement my wife filed with the court, she pays her parents x amount of dollars each week for gas, electric, oil, and misc. expenses. Are her parents supposed to claim that money as income? (I don’t think she really pays them anything). If they are supposed to claim it and don’t, could they get in trouble, or could my wife be in trouble for filing a false financial statement? (If they DON'T claim the $ because they say she doesn’t pay them, if it comes down to that w/ the IRS).
I hope this makes sense to everyone, and I appreciate any input.
Thanks
I have a few questions regarding claiming my two children for tax purposes. My wife and I separated at the end of March 06 and she took the kids and moved in with her parents. My wife did not work at all in 06. Her parents said they are going to claim the children.
According to their C.P.A. and mine, the parents are entitled to claim the kids because they have lived with them for more than half the year. My attorney disagrees, saying I should claim them. She said as long as my wife signs a joint return with me, her parents have no claim. Who is correct? Also, I’m not sure I’ll be able to get my wife to file jointly w/me. If she refuses, is there any way I can still claim them?
As I said, my wife doesn’t work; I provide child support which is their sole source of income. According to the financial statement my wife filed with the court, she pays her parents x amount of dollars each week for gas, electric, oil, and misc. expenses. Are her parents supposed to claim that money as income? (I don’t think she really pays them anything). If they are supposed to claim it and don’t, could they get in trouble, or could my wife be in trouble for filing a false financial statement? (If they DON'T claim the $ because they say she doesn’t pay them, if it comes down to that w/ the IRS).
I hope this makes sense to everyone, and I appreciate any input.
Thanks