IRS Form 8332 is used by a child’s custodial parent to release their claim to exemption for the child, thus allowing the noncustodial parent to claim it instead. However, it is also used to revoke that release.
You can use our printable Form 8332 to fill it out online and download within minutes. After that, you can print it out and mail it or submit it electronically.
IRS Form 8332 is used by a child’s custodial parent to release their claim to exemption for the child, thus allowing the noncustodial parent to claim it instead. However, it is also used to revoke that release.
You can use our printable Form 8332 to fill it out online and download within minutes. After that, you can print it out and mail it or submit it electronically.
Step 1: Open Form 8332 in our PDF editor.
Step 2: Write the name and SSN of the noncustodial parent, according to the Form 8332 instructions.
Step 3: Complete Part I if you want to release the claim to exemption only for the current year.
Step 4: Complete Part II if you want to release the claim for future years.
Step 5: Complete Part III if you want to revoke the release.
Step 6: Sign the form and submit it to the noncustodial parent, who should send it to the IRS.
Form 8332 is used to release a claim to exemption for a child and allow the noncustodial parent to claim it on their tax return instead. Also, it’s used to revoke a previous release. That’s why the official title “Form 8332 - Release/Revocation of Release of Claim to Exemption for Child by Custodial Parent.”
This applies to parents who are divorced or legally separated. Also, Form 8332 for unmarried parents works the same way; the custodial parent still holds the default right to the exemption and must sign the release for the noncustodial parent to claim it.
Form 8332 is used by the custodial parent who automatically has the right to claim exemption for a child on their tax return. The custodial parent is typically the parent with whom the child spends more time, or, if the time is divided equally, has a higher adjusted gross income.
Form 8332 is attached to the noncustodial parent’s income tax return, so its due date is on the day you file Form 1040. In other words, it should be submitted by April 15th, unless that date falls on a national holiday or a weekend. If so, the Form 8332 deadline is pushed to the next business day.
If Form 8332 isn’t submitted, the noncustodial parent won’t be able to claim any child-related exemptions and benefits. If they do claim credits without this form, they may face penalties and interest for underpaying taxes.
You should file Form 8332 with the IRS by attaching it to the Form 1040, the individual federal income tax return. You can also file this form electronically, but then you must also provide Form 8453, the U.S. individual income tax transmittal.
You can get a blank Form 8332 from pdf.net or the official IRS website. Both are valid, and you can fill them out with our PDF editor in minutes.
Yes, you can submit Form 8332 electronically, but in that case, you must also file Form 8453, which acts as a transmittal document for attachments that cannot be e-filed.
If your Form 8332 is missing information, you will not be able to claim an exemption for a child; this benefit is accessible only to the custodial parent until you submit a correct form. You can do that by filing Form 1040-X, the amended individual income tax return, and attaching an updated copy of Form 8332.
To avoid this, always compare your document with an official Form 8332 example to make sure everything is in place.
Yes, you can fill out your Form 8332 online using pdf.net, which allows you to type directly into the designated slots.
This form is free to view and edit, but you need to subscribe to download it. Check out our pricing page for more information.
Yes, you can correct mistakes on Form 8332 if you submit a new, updated one with your amended individual income tax return (Form 1040-X).
Form 8332 doesn’t have a standalone processing time, since it’s processed as part of Form 1040. That typically takes 21 days for electronic returns and 6–8 weeks for paper ones.
Yes, you can claim a child without Form 8332, but you must provide a statement with all the same information required by this form. This is, of course, a requirement for noncustodial parents; custodial parents can claim a child automatically.
If someone claimed your child as a dependent without permission, you can still claim them to trigger an IRS audit. This usually happens about two months after filing a return, so in the meantime, gather evidence to prove that you’re entitled to the claim.