Who claims child on taxes with 50/50 custody in Canada?

With 50/50 custody, parents must coordinate eligible dependent claims, with only one parent claiming per tax year In Canada, claiming a child as an eligible dependent with shared custody requires careful coordination between parents. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) only allows one parent to claim the child in any given tax year, even with equal custody arrangements. Parents can determine who claims the child through: Mutual agreement - alternating years or based on financial circumstances Court orders - following legally binding custody agreements Written agreements - documenting the claiming arrangement between parents If both parents attempt to claim the same child, the CRA may deny both claims until the parents resolve the dispute. It's recommended to document your claiming arrangement in writing to avoid potential tax complications.

"50/50 Custody: Claiming Eligible Dependent in Canada"

With 50/50 custody, parents must coordinate eligible dependent claims, with only one parent claiming per tax year

In Canada, claiming a child as an eligible dependent with shared custody requires careful coordination between parents. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) only allows one parent to claim the child in any given tax year, even with equal custody arrangements.

Parents can determine who claims the child through:

Mutual agreement – alternating years or based on financial circumstances
Court orders – following legally binding custody agreements
Written agreements – documenting the claiming arrangement between parents

If both parents attempt to claim the same child, the CRA may deny both claims until the parents resolve the dispute. It’s recommended to document your claiming arrangement in writing to avoid potential tax complications.