Skip to main content
TurboTax
Community
TurboTax
TurboTax
J
jesimay1
Level 2
June 4, 2019
Solved

I filed head of household but my husband owes back child support and didn't work at all this tax year. Will they take my refund for what he owes?

  • June 4, 2019
  • 5 replies
  • 35 views
Is there a phone number I can call to talk with someone about my tax issue?
Best answer by bluedeb

You can file as Head of Household when you are married if all 5 of the following conditions apply: If you file as Head of Household your refund cannot be taken for his back child support.

Can a married person claim Head of Household filing status?

5 replies

DoninGA
Level 15
DoninGALevel 15
Level 15
June 4, 2019
How did you file as Head of Household if you were married and were living with your spouse?  In the My Info section of the program where you enter your personal information did you select Single instead of Married?  If you selected Married then you could only have file your tax return as either Married Filing Jointly or Married Filing Separately.
If you incorrectly selected Single and based on your answers in the My Info section the program selected Head of Household for you, then you have to amend your tax return since you have incorrectly filed your tax return.

You should have filed your tax return as Married Filing Jointly even when one spouse has little or no income.  You will also need to file a Form 8379 Injures Spouse Allocation to prevent the IRS from seizing your portion of the tax refund for your spouse's tax debt.
J
jesimay1Author
Level 2
June 4, 2019
He did not  live with us.  Moved out at the begging of April of 2017.  We are still legally married though and that's why I asked this question.  I did not select single on any of the tax info.
DoninGA
Level 15
DoninGALevel 15
Level 15
June 4, 2019
Then your tax refund will not be seized for his debts since you filed as Head of Household.
J
jesimay1Author
Level 2
June 4, 2019
Thank you for the information.  I was worried after talking to my mom about it and just wanted to make sure.  Thank you for taking the time to get all the info and give me the best answers.  I very much appreciate it.
bluedeb
Alumni - Champ
bluedebAlumni - ChampAnswer
Alumni - Champ
June 4, 2019

You can file as Head of Household when you are married if all 5 of the following conditions apply: If you file as Head of Household your refund cannot be taken for his back child support.

Can a married person claim Head of Household filing status?
    TurboTax flag icon

    Unlock tailored help options in your account

    Create an account
    TurboTax Expert Assist
    TurboTax Expert

    Get answers to all your tax questions

    Our experts are available on-demand, no appointment needed. Get help all year long with TurboTax Expert Assist.

    Explore your options
    Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
    Sitemap
    Intuit
    TurboTax Credit Karma QuickBooks MailChimp

    ©1997-2026 Intuit, Inc. All rights reserved.
    Intuit, QuickBooks, QB, TurboTax, Credit Karma, and Mailchimp are registered trademarks of Intuit Inc. Terms and conditions, features, support, pricing, and service options subject to change without notice.

    Security Certification of the TurboTax Online application has been performed by C-Level Security.

    By accessing and using this page you agree to the Terms of Use.

    About Cookies Manage cookies

    TRUSTe nResult Certified e-File C-Level Security Certification
    Intuit
    TurboTax Credit Karma QuickBooks MailChimp

    © 2026 Intuit Canada ULC or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. Intuit, QuickBooks, QB, TurboTax and ProFile are registered trademarks of Intuit Inc. Terms and conditions, features, support, pricing, and service options subject to change without notice.

    Copyright © Intuit Canada ULC, 2026. All rights reserved.

    About Cookies Manage cookies

    Intuit
    TurboTax Credit Karma QuickBooks MailChimp

    © 2026, Entreprises Intuit Canada ULC ou ses sociétés affiliées. Tous droits réservés. Intuit, QuickBooks, QB, TurboImpôt et ProFile sont des marques déposées d’Intuit Inc. Les modalités, prix, fonctions et options de service et de soutien peuvent changer sans préavis.

    © 2026, Entreprises Intuit Canada ULC. Tous droits réservés.

    À propos des témoins Gérer les témoins