Indiana § 31-16-6-1.5 - Claiming child for tax purposes; considerations; conditions
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 31-16-6-1.5 — Claiming child for tax purposes; considerations; conditions, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-16-6-1.5. Claiming child for tax purposes; considerations; conditions
Sec. 1.5. (a) A court shall specify in a child support order which parent of a child may claim the child as a dependent for purposes of federal and state taxes.
(b) In determining which parent may claim the child as a dependent under subsection (a), the court shall consider the following:
(1) The value of claiming the child as a dependent at the marginal tax rate of each parent.
(2) The income of each parent.
(3) The age of the child or children and the number of years that the child or children could be claimed as a dependent or dependents.
(4) Each parent's percentage of the costs of supporting the child or children.
(5) If applicable, the financial aid benefit for postsecondary education for the child or children.
(6) If applicable, the financial burden each parent assumed under the property settlement in a dissolution proceeding.
(7) Any other relevant factors.
(c) If a court designates that the noncustodial parent of a child may claim the child as a dependent for purposes of federal and state taxes, the court shall order the custodial parent of the child to take all actions necessary to release the custodial parent's claim to the exemption in the manner required under Section 152(e) of the Internal Revenue Code.
(d) If a court determines that a parent who is ordered to pay child support may claim the child as a dependent under subsection (a), the court shall include in the order that the parent may only claim the child as a dependent for federal and state tax purposes if the parent has paid at least ninety-five percent (95%) of the parent's child support for the calendar year for which the parent is ordered to claim the child as a dependent by January 31 of the following year.
As added by P.L.210-2011, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.6-2012, SEC.203.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 31-16-6-1.5
What does Indiana Code § 31-16-6-1.5 cover?
Section 31-16-6-1.5 ("Claiming child for tax purposes; considerations; conditions") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Indiana § 31-16-6-1.5?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 31-16-6-1.5" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Indiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.
How does Indiana § 31-16-6-1.5 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.