[Fetter]

My girlfriend and I had a chile in early November of last year. Is it true that he had to live with us for more than half the year to qualify to be claimed for 2006?

If he can be claimed who should claim him? I work and make over $30,000 a year. My girlfriend doesn't currently work and when she did in 2006 she made considerably less than me.

If she were to claim him would there be a chance of getting more back? I was told by someone that her sister had done this last year.

Please help on this confusing matter.

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

No, that is not true.

If the child is born ANYTIME in 2006, you can claim him for the entire year. If the tax software asks for a number of months he lived with you, say 12 months.

Now, who should claim him? Since you both are parents, either of you can claim him. Prepare both returns with him as an exemption, then determine who benefits MOST by claiming him, and act accordingly.

It IS likely that she will get a higher Earned Income Credit if she claims him. I cannot say for sure without knowing how much she made.

You may want to get professional tax help this year. If you want my help, contact me at [email protected].