My half-sister (let's say Sarah) is 17. Her mother lost custody of Sarah in June of 2015. Sarah was placed with my wife and me at that time. We also received full guardianship. We have done and paid for everything Sarah has needed for the entire year of 2016.
Her mother called me yesterday and told me that she is planning on claiming Sarah as her dependent on her taxes for 2016.
She has not paid anything for Sarah, including medical expenses, clothing, child support, etc. The only thing that Sarah received from her mother the entire year was 2 $20 gift cards, one for her birthday and one for Christmas.
I have tried googling, and can not find anything on how the IRS would handle it if we both claim Sarah as a dependent.
If it matters, our father is not really in the picture. He's currently incarcerated.
Can anyone help me?
Also, if possible, please include a source of some type that I could use while discussing this with her mother.
Submitted January 13, 2017 at 07:07AM by Throwaway0Questions http://ift.tt/2irY7fZ
