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Level 2
posted Jan 25, 2025 1:55:59 PM

Although we are filing jointly, I am forced to answer: What if (daughter's name) lived with both parents, but we're not filing jointly? (Yes/No) are the only options

This question makes no sense. We're filing jointly, and indicated that earlier, but TT is asking this question anyway. How can I answer it? I can't get past it.

1 8 2183
8 Replies
Level 15
Jan 25, 2025 1:57:44 PM

Where are you seeing that question?

Level 15
Jan 25, 2025 1:59:26 PM

Delete her as your dependent and then re-enter.  Make sure you read each question concerning the dependent carefully.

 

Also, verify that you are filing as Married Filing Jointly.  That will be shown when you edit the first person on the tax return in the My Info section of the program.

Level 2
Jan 26, 2025 10:53:25 AM

 
I have verified my filing status is set to Married Filing Jointly.
 
The question in question pops up in:
(from Turbo Tax Online website, not the desktop edition)
 
2024 Taxes > My Info
I click on my daughters name.
I click EDIT under her name when the area/section expands.
She is selected as My Child.
I click Continue.
“Lets start with some info about your child” is the next screen, her name and date of birth and citizenship are displayed.   I click Continue.
“{her name}’s additional info is the title of the next screen.   The questions are:
1) {her name} is my [Son] or [Daughter].
2) Did {her name} live with you for the whole year? [Yes] or [No].
3) What if {her name} lived with both parents, but we’re not filing jointly?
Was all that time in the U.S.?
[Yes] or [No]?
 
 
It’s question #3 that’s the odd one.   That question pops up for both of my kids.
 
Thanks -Gary

Level 2
Feb 26, 2025 8:41:28 AM

I wanted to chime in here since I was confused. Sorry if you've already figured this out. The header you see about living with both parents and not filing jointly is not a question for the YES/NO answer. It's just a help article. The real question is whether your child lived with you in the US the whole time YES/NO. 

Expert Alumni
Feb 26, 2025 9:00:46 AM

The questions about, did the child live with you year round and did they live in the US the whole year are asked to determine dependency status.  The question you are seeing, "What if child lived with both parents, but are not filing jointly?" is a help article and not part of the interview questions.  See the link below:

 

 

TurboTax goes through a series of questions to determine if the dependent is a qualifying child.  To be a qualifying child the following tests must be meet:

 

  1. Age
  2. Relationship
  3. Residency
  4. Support

 

See the link below for more information:

 

@gary21617

 

Returning Member
Mar 8, 2025 7:42:16 AM

Same issue. It's been more than a month since this posting and TurboTax still hasn't fixed it.

Level 15
Mar 8, 2025 7:45:54 AM


@upsidegarden wrote:

Same issue. It's been more than a month since this posting and TurboTax still hasn't fixed it.


What needs to be fixed?  There is a link for information and there is a question that is easily answered Was all the time in the US?  Yes or No

Expert Alumni
Mar 8, 2025 11:11:09 AM

See the screenshot and explanation shared by @BrittanyS above. The question about living with both parents is not the question that requires a yes or no answer, but is merely a link to more information if that is your situation.

 

The yes or no question to answer in that screen is, "Was all that time in the US?"

 

See this tax tips article for information for parents who file separately.

 

@upsidegarden