topic Filing Status Quandary in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

Filing Status Quandary

warren0802 — Sat, 22 Feb 2020 18:53:45 GMT

Legally I am married, but my wife and her 3 kids have not lived in my home since June 30. The IRS considers me unmarried. However, when I select Married I'm only given the option to file as married filing jointly or married filing separately. I don't believe I can select Single or Legally Separated (no legal paperwork filed) as my marital status. HELP! I was under the impression that I could file as Head of Household but that is not an option if I select Married as my marital status.

Re: Filing Status Quandary

xmasbaby0 — Sat, 22 Feb 2020 18:56:44 GMT

Unless you have dependents living with you, you cannot file as Head of Household.

Am I Head of Household?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894553-do-i-qualify-for-head-of-household

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2900097-what-is-a-qualifying-person-for-head-of-household

If you qualify as Head of Household, when you enter your filing status (single or married filing separately) into MyInfo, and then enter your qualifying dependent, TurboTax will offer HOH as your filing status.

Re: Filing Status Quandary

xmasbaby0 — Sat, 22 Feb 2020 18:59:32 GMT

That leaves you with the choice of MFS or MFJ--assuming your estranged spouse is filing MFS or HOH. You cannot file MFJ unless you both agree to that.

Re: Filing Status Quandary

warren0802 — Sat, 22 Feb 2020 19:09:07 GMT

MFS it is then. I will be itemizing deductions though. Thanks for your help!!!