Filing Status Quandary

Forum|Forum|6 years ago
February 22, 2020
1 reply
15 views

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.

xmasbaby0

Level 15

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.

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**

xmasbaby0

Level 15

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.