Submitted By: Gloria
Answered: June 29, 2015 9:04 am

My husband and I are legal guardians of our grandchild. If we file as married filing separately, do we each claim an exemption for her?

As legal guardians, you are entitled to the exemption for your grandchild, but only one of you can claim it. Decide who should do this; it depends on who will save more in taxes for the family. You do not apportion the exemption between you.

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Tax Glossary

Qualifying widow or widower

A filing status entitling the taxpayer with dependents to use joint tax rates for up to two tax years after the death of a spouse.

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