Mom Sparks Family Feud By Reporting Ex To IRS For Illegally Claiming Their Child On Taxes

"He is now not speaking to me."

Navigating co-parenting agreements and finances can be a minefield, as one single mother discovered. She and her ex-husband had an arrangement allowing him to claim their oldest child on his taxes, provided he was up to date with child support payments.

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However, when he fell $6,000 behind, she informed him that she would claim both children on her taxes as stipulated in their agreement. Despite her warning, he still claimed their oldest child, causing her electronically filed return to be rejected.

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Determined to get what was rightfully hers, she submitted her taxes manually, including all necessary documentation to prove her case. After a nine-month wait, she received her tax return and the money garnished from his refund due to his support arrears.

Recently, her ex found out that the IRS ruled he had no right to claim their child from two years ago and now owes $6,000. He confronted her about the situation, and she confirmed she had reported his incorrect filing. This revelation led to a fallout, with her ex no longer speaking to her.

Situations like this highlight the complexities of co-parenting and the importance of adhering to agreements. While it might seem harsh, ensuring fairness and compliance with the law is essential for the well-being of both the children and the custodial parent.

Just take a look at this...

OP, a single mom, lets the dad claim the oldest child on taxes for four nights a month and current support payments.

OP, a single mom, lets the dad claim the oldest child on taxes for four nights a month and current support payments.Reddit
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She sought to claim both kids for taxes due to $6,000 in arrears; he argued she didn't need it with her higher income share.

She sought to claim both kids for taxes due to $6,000 in arrears; he argued she didn't need it with her higher income share.Reddit
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The Impact of Financial Conflicts on Family Dynamics

According to research in the Journal of Family Psychology, financial disagreements are a leading cause of stress in family relationships.

Dr. Emily Johnson, a family therapist, suggests that financial disputes often trigger deeper issues related to trust and respect among family members.

In this case, reporting an ex-partner to the IRS signifies a breakdown of communication and mutual understanding, highlighting unresolved conflicts that may have existed prior to this incident.

Tax filing rejected; son already claimed. Nine months later, she received her return and garnished money from his.

Tax filing rejected; son already claimed. Nine months later, she received her return and garnished money from his.Reddit

He owes $6,000 to the IRS for wrongly claiming their child. She challenged his claim, and now he's not speaking to her.

Scroll down to see what people had to say...

He owes $6,000 to the IRS for wrongly claiming their child. She challenged his claim, and now he's not speaking to her.Reddit

Behavioral economists have found that financial stress can exacerbate emotional tensions, leading to heightened conflict within families.

When one parent feels wronged, as seen in this situation, it can lead to retaliatory actions that may hinder co-parenting relationships.

Utilizing open dialogue about financial responsibilities and expectations can help mitigate such conflicts and foster a healthier family dynamic.

She didn't let him steal from the IRS or her. Case closed.

She didn't let him steal from the IRS or her. Case closed.Reddit

He tried to pass the buck, but she wasn't buying it. Taxing, isn't it?

He tried to pass the buck, but she wasn't buying it. Taxing, isn't it?Reddit

Understanding Co-Parenting Challenges

Research from the University of Michigan emphasizes the importance of cooperative co-parenting, as it significantly affects children's well-being.

When parents engage in legal disputes, it can create an environment of tension that children often sense, impacting their emotional health.

Strategies such as mediation or family counseling can provide a neutral space for parents to resolve their differences amicably.

He played, won -$6,000. Taxes aren't a game; no regrets, just hoping he pays up!

He played, won -$6,000. Taxes aren't a game; no regrets, just hoping he pays up!Reddit

She played fair and gave him fair warning. His move, his mess to clean.

She played fair and gave him fair warning. His move, his mess to clean.Reddit

Psychologists note that unresolved family conflicts often lead to long-term emotional scars, particularly in children caught in the middle.

It's crucial for parents to recognize that their actions can have lasting effects on their children's perceptions of relationships and conflict resolution.

By prioritizing transparent communication and collaboration, parents can model healthy behaviors that children can emulate in their own future relationships.

Is he a newbie in financial mishaps or a pro? Time to secure the kids' safety on his adventure!

Is he a newbie in financial mishaps or a pro? Time to secure the kids' safety on his adventure!Reddit

She claimed what she earned; it's not her fault he tried to stretch the truth.

She claimed what she earned; it's not her fault he tried to stretch the truth.Reddit

Practical Solutions for Family Conflicts

To navigate such difficult situations, family therapists recommend establishing clear boundaries and agreements regarding financial matters.

Regular family meetings can serve as a platform for discussing concerns and expectations, promoting a sense of unity despite differences.

Additionally, involving a neutral third party, such as a mediator, may provide valuable guidance in resolving disputes without escalating tensions.

He played the double claim game; she called his bluff. His silence? Just the cherry on top.

He played the double claim game; she called his bluff. His silence? Just the cherry on top.Reddit

Is he waiting for child support to retire too, or is he just clock-watching?

Is he waiting for child support to retire too, or is he just clock-watching?Reddit

Honesty is the best policy, and cheating on agreements is worse than cheating on taxes. Now, he owes the IRS, and she gets the last laugh—proof that playing by the rules can be surprisingly rewarding.

Comment down your thoughts, or share this article for all your family and friends to see!

He played, he lost, and now he's got a $6,000 souvenir.

He played, he lost, and now he's got a $6,000 souvenir.Reddit

Age doesn't exempt debts. Even at 39 and 41, she's still cashing in.

Age doesn't exempt debts. Even at 39 and 41, she's still cashing in.Reddit

He's all about the cash but dodges the responsibility like it's an IRS audit.

He's all about the cash but dodges the responsibility like it's an IRS audit.Reddit

He had the playbook and got the warning, but he still fumbled the ball. All on him.

He had the playbook and got the warning, but he still fumbled the ball. All on him.Reddit

No support, no relief. FAFO: Forget About Financial Obligations.

No support, no relief. FAFO: Forget About Financial Obligations.Reddit

She had a contract, not a suggestion box.

She had a contract, not a suggestion box.Reddit

No sympathy for those who skip out on child support. Karma's got a payment plan.

No sympathy for those who skip out on child support. Karma's got a payment plan.Reddit

Lesson learned: mess around, find out. She warned; he ignored. Simple.

Lesson learned: mess around, find out. She warned; he ignored. Simple.Reddit

He's robbing the cradle, not just the bank. Income doesn't excuse theft.

He's robbing the cradle, not just the bank. Income doesn't excuse theft.Reddit

Psychological Analysis

This situation illustrates how financial disputes can quickly escalate into larger relational conflicts, particularly when communication breaks down.

It's essential for both parties to recognize the impact of their actions on their relationship and their child's emotional health, fostering a more cooperative approach to parenting.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Research consistently shows that open communication and conflict resolution strategies are vital in maintaining healthy family dynamics.

Incorporating these approaches not only aids in resolving immediate conflicts but also sets the foundation for more positive interactions in the future.

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