questions & answers

Question: Three years ago, I put myself on child support because the mother of my child would not allow me to see our daughter. As part of the court order, the mother of my child claims our daughter on taxes for all even years while I claim our daughter for all odd years. Earlier this year, when I went to file my 2013 taxes, I was advised that someone had already claimed my daughter's social security number. What are my next best steps? And no, I have not yet filed my 2013 taxes and she has admitted to this crime. Can I take her to court? Should I file anyway and let the IRS catch her?

Answer: The IRS will want you to prove that you can claim the child.  If you have documentation of the even vs. odd year arrangement this will be helpful.  You may want to contact the IRS directly to get advice on your particular situation.