What proof does the IRS need to know that I am the one that should claim my daughter?

My daughters father claimed her in 2005 as well as i did. However the IRS is now stating i have to send them proof that I am able to keep the exemption? There is no decree stating who should claim her, he didn't pay support for 1/2 that year, and she lives 80% of the time with me... What do i need to do now?

Public Comments

1. School records, medical records, and any other records that define a history of your daughter living with you should prove to the IRS that you are the qualifying parent to claim her. School records are the most often used, but sometimes others can be more beneficial. If the IRS refuses your records as being proof, look for a different person in the IRS, as some agents are better than others....
2. get the school to write a letter verifying the address of the student. it would be easier if you can talk to your daughter's father and tell him that you authority to take your daughter as your dependent. if he resists, then get a letter from the school, doctor, daycare, etc. this should be enough to prove where she really stayed at more than 50% of the time. vote me for best answer
3. She needs to have lived with you more than half the year and you have to had provided more than 50% of her support. I am sure the IRS is asking him the same questions. This happens when you both try for the same deductions.
4. If you can get a letter from the school or her Pediatrician, simply stating that she lived at your address, you were the parent to contact, etc. They also accept letters from church officials if you can get one. Good luck!
5. You'll need some sort of proof that she does live with you most of the time. Doctor's records, school records, letters from neighbors or landlord.... Whether he paid support or not is not at issue - even if he paid it all year, that wouldn't give him the right to claim her. And he got the same letter, so is asked to prove that she lived with HIM - sounds like you'll have the easier time with the proof. Good luck.
6. If your local district attorney family support division is attempting to collect child support on your behalf, get documentation from that source. That will show the father is not paying. If you haven't gone to the DA, do so tomorrow.
7. get school records, doctor records, anything coming to your house that is in reference to her.I know how nasty that can be, my ex tried it before.Luckily, the IRS doesn't play. If he claimed her fraudulently he will get into a mess of trouble.