Pro tip: get multiple signed copies of 8332 for future years when your ex is actually cooperating. Learned this the hard way lol

I went through this exact same situation last year. Unfortunately, TurboTax will definitely require the Form 8332 if you're the non-custodial parent trying to claim your child. The software is pretty strict about IRS requirements and won't let you proceed without proper documentation. Even though it sucks having to deal with your ex, you really need that signed form. One thing that helped me was explaining to my ex that it doesn't cost her anything tax-wise if she's not claiming the kid anyway. Maybe approach it from a practical angle rather than making it confrontational? Good luck!

its probably ur credit score. happened to my cousin last year and thats what it was

I work at a tax prep office and can confirm what Evelyn said - TurboTax definitely has early filing deadlines for advances, usually around mid-February. They also do income verification and look at your tax history with them. Even with good credit, if you had any issues with previous advances or filed late in prior years, that can disqualify you. It's frustrating because they don't always explain the criteria upfront!

Single filer here making $71k with no dependents. I've been getting refunds around $1,900-2,200 the past few years, which after reading this thread I'm realizing might be too high. I contribute 6% to my 401k and take the standard deduction. I think I need to look at adjusting my W-4 because that's basically $175+ per month I could have in my paycheck instead of waiting for a refund. The "forced savings" argument makes sense, but I'd rather have control over that money throughout the year and put it in a high-yield savings account where it can at least earn some interest. Thanks for all the specific examples - it's really helpful to see the actual numbers from people in similar situations rather than just general advice about withholding!

Single filer making $64k here with no dependents. I've been getting refunds around $1,350-1,500 the past couple years, contributing 7% to my 401k with standard deduction. Reading through everyone's experiences has been super enlightening! I never really thought about the opportunity cost of large refunds until seeing the discussion about high-yield savings accounts and having that money available throughout the year. One thing I'm curious about - for those who adjusted their W-4 to reduce refunds, did you notice any difference in how you managed your monthly budget? I'm a bit worried that if I increase my take-home pay, I might just end up spending that extra money instead of saving it like I do when I get the lump sum refund. The "forced savings" aspect has been working for me, but I can see the appeal of earning interest on that money instead of giving the IRS a free loan. Also wondering if anyone has experience with how changing your W-4 mid-year affects things? I'm tempted to make an adjustment now but wasn't sure if it's better to wait until the start of a new tax year.

Make sure you keep your Medicaid documentation just in case they ask for proof later. Better safe than sorry!

This is actually a really common mistake! The IRS system can be confusing about healthcare coverage reporting. Since you have Medicaid, you're exempt from the marketplace insurance requirements. Just make sure when you refile that you select "had qualifying health coverage" or similar option for Medicaid instead of leaving it blank or checking marketplace coverage. Your Medicaid should count as minimum essential coverage so you shouldn't need any additional forms.

I had this same issue! The form where you list dependents (Form 1040) doesn't limit how many dependents you can claim. You just list them all in Part I of the dependent section. One thing though - are you sure you want to claim them? By claiming them as dependents, you might be messing up their ability to get certain tax credits or benefits that they'd qualify for otherwise. Have you checked if this could affect their situation negatively?

Great question! I went through this exact situation with my parents two years ago and can confirm you CAN claim both parents as dependents even though they're married and filed jointly. The key things to verify: 1. Each parent individually meets the gross income test (under $5,100 for 2025) 2. You provided more than 50% of their total support 3. They lived with you for the full year 4. They only filed their joint return to get a refund of withheld taxes From what you've described, it sounds like you meet all the criteria. The Social Security income likely won't count toward the gross income limit since it's typically not taxable at their income level. One tip: create a simple spreadsheet tracking all the support you provide (housing costs, utilities, food, medical, etc.) versus any support they provide themselves. This documentation will be invaluable if you're ever questioned about the dependency claims. Also, double-check that claiming them won't disqualify them from any credits or benefits they might be eligible for independently - sometimes the family saves more money overall by not claiming the dependents if they qualify for certain credits on their own return.