Nov
8

The Reality of the Dependency Exemption after the Tax Cut and Jobs Act

Generally, the tax dependency exemption is awarded to the custodial parent; this is the federal default[1]. The custodial parent is defined as the parent receiving more than 50% of the parenting time, based on overnights. However, Minnesota Courts have the power to award a tax exemption to a non-custodial parent incident to the determination of child support and physical custody. Minn. Stat. § 518A.38, subd. 7. In making the decision, Courts are directed to consider: 1) the financial resources of each party; 2) if not awarding the dependency exemption negatively impacts a parent’s...