Only Receiving My Partial Tax Refund

Isilwen · Feb 21, 2022

Apparently, my tax return was selected for review and they are going to ask for more information about me having my kids and my eligibility for the child tax credit and the earned income tax credit.

I have been claiming my kids since my daughter was born in 2012 and after their mom and I divorced in 2016 as my divorce decree allowed me to do so as my ex-wife doesn't work due to disability. So, I thought that meant I could say that they were with me the majority of the year even if they weren't as the divorce decree allowed me to claim them.

Now that I am doing research, that apparently isn't the case.

My girlfriend and family say that it was an honest mistake and the IRS will work with me, even if I owe money back to them. My issue is that I just started not having to live paycheck to paycheck with the new job and now I feel like I am going to be doing just that once again.

At that point, I won't want to work since I am working not to have a roof over my head, or my kid's heads when they visit or food in our stomach, but to pay their mom child support and the government back.

I was finally starting to feel like I could actually provide a life for my kids and my girlfriend when we got married, and now not so much.

I am really worried and scared and don't know what to do. I'm close to a panic attack.

SabbathBlessings · Feb 21, 2022

Isilwen said:
Apparently, my tax return was selected for review and they are going to ask for more information about me having my kids and my eligibility for the child tax credit and the earned income tax credit.

I have been claiming my kids since my daughter was born in 2012 and after their mom and I divorced in 2016 as my divorce decree allowed me to do so as my ex-wife doesn't work due to disability. So, I thought that meant I could say that they were with me the majority of the year even if they weren't as the divorce decree allowed me to claim them.

Now that I am doing research, that apparently isn't the case.

My girlfriend and family say that it was an honest mistake and the IRS will work with me, even if I owe money back to them. My issue is that I just started not having to live paycheck to paycheck with the new job and now I feel like I am going to be doing just that once again.

At that point, I won't want to work since I am working not to have a roof over my head, or my kid's heads when they visit or food in our stomach, but to pay their mom child support and the government back.

I was finally starting to feel like I could actually provide a life for my kids and my girlfriend when we got married, and now not so much.

I am really worried and scared and don't know what to do. I'm close to a panic attack.

I think the IRS goes on how much money you can prove you spent on your children more than they do how much time you spent with them. If you have proof of paying for their health insurance, medical bills or other expenses and if you spent more on them than their mother you should be okay. It's not worth getting yourself upset about and scripture tells us not to worry, Jesus will take care of us for those who believe and put their faith in Him. Give it to Jesus and you will get through it! God bless

Albion · Feb 21, 2022

Isilwen said:
I am really worried and scared and don't know what to do. I'm close to a panic attack.

I'd say to try not to feel panicky or scared. The mistake was apparently logical enough, even if incorrect, and the IRS will work with you. Besides, IRS doesn't know all the details at present, and you may be able to justify some of the money when you meet with them.

It's unfortunate that this hits you at this particular time, but that's something you have to endure for the sake of your girlfriend and family, if for no other reason.

HTacianas · Feb 21, 2022

Isilwen said:
Apparently, my tax return was selected for review and they are going to ask for more information about me having my kids and my eligibility for the child tax credit and the earned income tax credit.

I have been claiming my kids since my daughter was born in 2012 and after their mom and I divorced in 2016 as my divorce decree allowed me to do so as my ex-wife doesn't work due to disability. So, I thought that meant I could say that they were with me the majority of the year even if they weren't as the divorce decree allowed me to claim them.

Now that I am doing research, that apparently isn't the case.

My girlfriend and family say that it was an honest mistake and the IRS will work with me, even if I owe money back to them. My issue is that I just started not having to live paycheck to paycheck with the new job and now I feel like I am going to be doing just that once again.

At that point, I won't want to work since I am working not to have a roof over my head, or my kid's heads when they visit or food in our stomach, but to pay their mom child support and the government back.

I was finally starting to feel like I could actually provide a life for my kids and my girlfriend when we got married, and now not so much.

I am really worried and scared and don't know what to do. I'm close to a panic attack.

NOTE: I misunderstood your question entirely so disregard my answer to it. I'm not deleting my original answer but please pay no attention to it.

If your divorce decree states that you can claim your children that is the end of it regardless of where your children lived. A long time ago the IRS used to go by whichever parent provided greater than 50 percent of the children's support during the year. It created a giant hassle so courts began resolving it by declaring which parent could claim the children as dependents in either a divorce decree or a child support order. That is the only thing the IRS looks at.

disciple Clint · Feb 22, 2022

Isilwen said:
Apparently, my tax return was selected for review and they are going to ask for more information about me having my kids and my eligibility for the child tax credit and the earned income tax credit.

I have been claiming my kids since my daughter was born in 2012 and after their mom and I divorced in 2016 as my divorce decree allowed me to do so as my ex-wife doesn't work due to disability. So, I thought that meant I could say that they were with me the majority of the year even if they weren't as the divorce decree allowed me to claim them.

Now that I am doing research, that apparently isn't the case.

My girlfriend and family say that it was an honest mistake and the IRS will work with me, even if I owe money back to them. My issue is that I just started not having to live paycheck to paycheck with the new job and now I feel like I am going to be doing just that once again.

At that point, I won't want to work since I am working not to have a roof over my head, or my kid's heads when they visit or food in our stomach, but to pay their mom child support and the government back.

I was finally starting to feel like I could actually provide a life for my kids and my girlfriend when we got married, and now not so much.

I am really worried and scared and don't know what to do. I'm close to a panic attack.

My only suggestion is be honest, do not try to cover up anything, better to look foolish that to look like you are intentionally violating the law, just a hint if an investigator asks you the same question more that once in a slightly different way, it is an indication that they did not buy your answer. If you tell the truth you have very little to be concerned about and you will receive the benefit of the doubt.

Isilwen · Feb 22, 2022

HTacianas said:
If your divorce decree states that you can claim your children that is the end of it regardless of where your children lived. A long time ago the IRS used to go by whichever parent provided greater than 50 percent of the children's support during the year. It created a giant hassle so courts began resolving it by declaring which parent could claim the children as dependents in either a divorce decree or a child support order. That is the only thing the IRS looks at.

This is what I found out last night. Although, I need to get a form filled out and have my ex sign it. Which she may or may not. The IRS goes by said form, and the divorce decree at this time. It's no longer just the divorce decree.

I am hoping she'll sign it retroactively as the form allows you to dictate how many years forward the paper is valid. If she doesn't I will have to take her to court as she would be in violation of the divorce decree and I don't want to have to do that.

Isilwen · Feb 22, 2022

disciple Clint said:
My only suggestion is be honest, do not try to cover up anything, better to look foolish that to look like you are intentionally violating the law, just a hint if an investigator asks you the same question more that once in a slightly different way, it is an indication that they did not buy your answer. If you tell the truth you have very little to be concerned about and you will receive the benefit of the doubt.

That is the only thing I would do, tell the truth.

Only Receiving My Partial Tax Refund

Isilwen

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Albion

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disciple Clint

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