No, the noncustodial parent may not claim a child as a qualifying child for the earned income credit based solely on the custodial parent's release of a claim to exemption for the child as their dependent.

• The custodial parent may still be able to claim the child as a qualifying child for the earned income credit if the residency test and all the other requirements are met.

Note: The custodial parent is generally the parent with whom the child lives for the greater number of nights during the year. The noncustodial parent is the other parent. If the child was with each parent for an equal number of nights, the custodial parent is the parent with the higher adjusted gross income. For details and an exception for a parent who works at night, see Publication 501, Dependents, Standard Deduction and Filing Information.