AboutJohn Stancil, CPA Expertise I can answer questions on personal income taxes, partnerships, and some corporate income taxes. I can deal with some state tax questions. Limited gift and estate tax questions. I am also familiar with ministerial and church tax reporting issues. I teach tax and accounting at a small church-related college. Sales taxes and property taxes are state and local issues so I am not likely be be able to give you an in depth answer on those types of taxes. I have maintained a part time tax practice for over 30 years. I am a member of the AICPA, National Society of Tax Professionals, and the Institute of Management Accountants.
Experience I hold a doctorate in Accounting, and four professional certifications: CPA, CMA, CFM, and CIA. I passed all certification examinations on the first attempt, and received honorable mention for my scores on the CIA exam. I write a monthly tax column for the local newspaper.
Expert: John Stancil, CPA Date: 7/16/2008 Subject: Parentally abducted children
Question My ex-wife abducted our two daughters in mid May of 2007. I was granted sole custody of them in November of 2007. I still have not been able to locate my children. Since I am the custodial parent, can I claim the children on my 2008 return even if they have not lived with me for more than half the year?
Answer Bill,
Unfortunately not. Since the child was abducted by a relative, they are not considered by the IRS as kidnapped. They did not live with you, and presumably you did not provide over half their support, so you do not have a claim to dependency.
