Submitted By: Gloria
Answered: June 29, 2015 9:04 am

My husband and I are legal guardians of our grandchild. If we file as married filing separately, do we each claim an exemption for her?

As legal guardians, you are entitled to the exemption for your grandchild, but only one of you can claim it. Decide who should do this; it depends on who will save more in taxes for the family. You do not apportion the exemption between you.

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Tax Glossary

Modified adjusted gross income (MAGI)

This is generally adjusted gross income increased by certain items such as tax-free foreign earned income. MAGI usually is used to determine phaseouts of certain deductions and credits.

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