I read other posts and those who have replies to me. I got "no" and "yes" answers. I read the publication 17, 504 as recommended. Based on the IRS's publication, you can when you are considered "unmarried" - passed all the tests. However, Turbo tax will ONLY allow you to file as HOH if your qualifying dependent is your child OR parent if your answer is "Married" to Turbo tax. If you enter your dependent is "sister, aunt, or grandparent..." Turbo tax will not allow you to file HOH.
I believe Turbo tax follows the IRS's tests for HOH. I think IRS is inconsistent with its own rules because in above mentioned publications, it clearly states: qualifying relative4 other than your father or mother (such as a grandparent, brother, or sister who meets certain tests), your relative lived with you more than half the year, and your relative is related to you in one of the ways listed under Relatives who don’t have to live with you in chapter 3 and you can claim your relative as a
dependent5. Relatives who don’t have to live with you. A person related to you in any of the following ways doesn't have to live with you all year as a member of your household to meet this test.
• Your child, stepchild, or foster child, or a
descendant of any of them (for example,
your grandchild). (A legally adopted child
is considered your child.)
• Your brother, sister, half brother, half sister, stepbrother, or stepsister.
• Your father, mother, grandparent, or other direct ancestor, but not foster parent.
• Your stepfather or stepmother.
• A son or daughter of your brother or sister.
• A son or daughter of your half brother or half sister.
• A brother or sister of your father or mother.
• Your son-in-law, daughter-in-law, father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law.
Please point out to me that I misunderstood something and you think Turbo tax is consistent with IRS's regulation regarding "considered unmarried" in the above publications.
Thank you!
