Reviewed for accuracy on November 3, 2026 by Tina Price, one of Grove's licensed advisors.
Divorced, separated and blended families: who gets the tax credit
The tax credit follows the tax return. Only the parent who claims a child as a dependent can get the credit for that child, no matter who the child lives with. When one plan covers people from two tax returns, the costs and credit are split between them at tax time.
Last updated November 3, 2026
The short version
- Only the parent who claims the child can get the credit for that child.
- Unmarried partners, including those in a civil union, file separate federal returns and have separate tax households.
- One plan can cover people from two tax returns. The amounts are split on Form 8962.
- Divorce or marriage during the year has its own rules at tax time.
Divorced or separated parents
The credit for a child goes with the parent who claims that child as a dependent. Where the child lives or who signed them up doesn't change that.
If the other parent enrolls the child, the plan's premium and credit are split between the two returns when you file.
Unmarried partners and civil unions
For federal taxes, partners who aren't married, including those in a Colorado civil union, file separately. Each is their own tax household for the credit.
You can still share one plan. At tax time, you agree on how to split the plan's premium and credit between your returns. If you don't agree, a set formula based on who's enrolled decides.
Divorce during the year
If you divorce or legally separate during the year and shared a plan, you split the plan's amounts with your former spouse on Form 8962. You can agree on any split from 0% to 100%. If you don't agree, it's 50% each.
Marriage during the year
Marriage is a qualifying life change, so you can change plans within 60 days. At tax time, an alternative calculation for the year of marriage can lower what you repay. It applies if you were each unmarried on January 1, file jointly, and had advance credit paid during the year.
Next step
Family situations like these are where a licensed Grove advisor helps most. We'll set up the plans so the credit lands where it should, at no cost.
Want a person to check your pick? A licensed Grove advisor will, at no cost. If you make Grove your broker, you can keep calling the same advisor after you enroll.
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Common questions
My ex claims our son. Can I put him on my plan?
Yes. The credit for him belongs on your ex's return, and the plan's amounts are split when you both file.
Should I talk to a tax professional?
For divorces and shared plans, yes. Form 8962 has specific allocation rules, and a tax professional can apply them to your return.
Sources
- IRS: Instructions for Form 8962 (household income, family size, employer coverage)
- IRS: questions and answers for registered domestic partners and people in civil unions
- Connect for Health Colorado: when can I buy insurance? (qualifying life change events)
- HealthCare.gov: special enrollment periods
This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice. Connect for Health Colorado decides eligibility and tax credits.