tax question

[Altair]

So my taxes are pretty straightforward this year (as always) but my partner's are not.

Stupid question ahead:

We had a baby this past year and we are not married. We are trying to figure out how to claim the baby-- do we both get to or do we need to pick one? If only one can... I make slightly more than him but he owes a lot of taxes this year (works as an independent contractor for most of the year and didn't get any taxes taken out from that) and I will get a refund baby or no. We each make under $75 (but close) so we qualify for the $1,000 credit in that way. But is it only one of us? I'm trying to figure out who should file for head of household... I make more, so I guess that's me... but then will that mess up his taxes... which we need to maximize credits for since he'll owe money?

I usually do mine on Turbo tax since mine is so easy, but he will need to go get his done since his are really complicated this year. Since we can't file jointly anyway, it doesn't make sense for me to go to an accountant too, right?

[KatWrangler]

Only one of you can claim the child.

I would do it both ways. On Turbo Tax plug it in with and without your child.

When the Dad has his done, have them do the same and compare notes. See which is a better deal.

[Altair]

That was our plan. Turbo tax makes that really easy. Thanks for verifying!

[MyTwoAs]

Ditto Kat. Even if it lessens his taxes owed, you still want to see who gets the biggest net difference out of it. So if it lowers his taxes owed by $600 but it increases your refund by $800, you claim the child.

[iowaorganic]

I agree with checking both ways- but he will be paying all of his FICA and you are only paying half of yours. So anything he can deduct will make a bigger difference than yours.

[KatWrangler]

I love Turbo Tax!

Good luck on the refund!