Question

William and Charlotte Collins divorced in November of year 1. William moved out and Charlotte remained in their house with their 10-month-old daughter Autumn. Diana, Charlotte's mother, lived in the home and acted as Autumn's nanny for all of year 1. William provided 70% of Autumn's support, Diana provided 20%, and Charlotte provided 10%. When the time came to file their tax returns for year 1, William, Charlotte, and Diana each wanted to claim Autumn as a dependent. Their respective AGIs for year 1 were $50,000, $35,000, and $52,000. Who has priority to claim Autumn as a dependent?
A. William.
B. Charlotte.
C. Diana.
D. They must negotiate amongst themselves.

Answer 1

Answer: B. Charlotte

Explanation:

Preference is given to people that live with the dependent so this puts William at the least priority because he doesn't live with Autumn thereby leaving Charlotte and her mother.

Preference is then given to the biological parents of the dependent which means that Diana is has second priority. Charlotte is therefore the the most preferred to claim her daughter as a dependent which would allow her greater tax deductions.