Myth-busting Trump’s Alleged Tax Changes for Parents
Did Trump change who gets to claim children for tax purposes? I’m Tulsa child support attorney James Wirth, and that’s the question we have today.
Videos are circulating on social media—TikTok, YouTube, and other platforms—claiming that an executive order signed by President Trump allows the parent paying child support to claim the child on their taxes and receive the unearned tax credit. Initially, I wasn’t planning to address this, but we received a direct question about it:
I just saw a video on YouTube stating that President Trump signed an executive order that now the person paying child support gets to claim the kids on their taxes and the unearned tax credit. Can anyone verify this?
Examining the Claims: Fact vs. Fiction
Some versions of the rumor say it was an executive order, while others claim it was a post on Twitter (now X) or Truth Social. However, after fact-checking, this claim has been thoroughly debunked. Snopes has covered it, and there is no executive order, no social media post, and no official policy change. Despite some attorneys discussing it as if it’s real, there is no evidence to support it.
As for who gets to claim a child for tax purposes, this is primarily determined by state law. While federal tax laws provide general rules on dependents, state courts in Oklahoma can assign tax dependency in custody and divorce cases. Court orders may specify that one parent claims the child every year, that parents alternate years, or another arrangement. If state orders conflict with federal tax rules, courts can require a parent to sign the necessary IRS form to comply.
State Law Impact on Tax Dependency
Ultimately, even if such a policy change were proposed, it might not override how state law assigns tax dependency. The bottom line: No executive order or policy change has been made regarding child tax claims for parents paying support. If you have questions about how to properly claim your child on taxes, it’s best to consult a Tulsa family law attorney privately for advice based on your specific situation.
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To get that scheduled with an attorney at my office, you can go online to MakeLawEasy.com or call us at 918-879-1681. We’re here to help you navigate these complex issues with personalized guidance.
