Yes, separated parents can each claim a different eligible child as a dependent for tax purposes in Canada.
Under Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) guidelines, separated or divorced parents with multiple children can divide dependent claims, provided certain conditions are met:
- Each child must qualify as an eligible dependent
- The arrangement should be clearly outlined in a custody agreement or court order
- Each parent can only claim one eligible dependent at their primary residence
- Both parents must agree on the claiming arrangement for the tax year
- The child being claimed must live with the claiming parent at least part of the year
Parents should maintain detailed records and documentation to support their claims in case of a CRA review. This tax strategy can help both parents maximize their available tax benefits while ensuring compliance with Canadian tax laws.