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Returning Member
posted Jan 25, 2020 1:39:01 PM

Filing Status

If I’m a resident alien and my wife is also a resident alien(and makes no income)can I treat her as a non resident alien and file as head of household?

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7 Replies
Expert Alumni
Jan 28, 2020 2:55:29 PM

You cannot file as head of household if your spouse lived with you for the last half of the year.

 

However, you can filed as married-joint and that may allow you more benefits than filing as head of household. Your tax rates may be lower and you will get the same credits such as  the earned income credit child tax credit.

Returning Member
Feb 8, 2020 6:16:17 PM

I need to change my filing status

Expert Alumni
Feb 9, 2020 12:00:06 PM

To change your filing status, try following these steps: 

  • Down the left side of the screen, click on Personal Info.
  • Scroll down until you see the filing status section.  Click Edit to the right.
  • Follow the screens to find out whether you qualify for the different filing status.

See this help.

New Member
Feb 26, 2020 10:06:36 AM

If I filed in 2017 as Head of household and need to change it to married filed jointly, is the filing status the only thing I need to do on the amended form?

Expert Alumni
Feb 26, 2020 10:10:57 AM

See this TurboTax FAQ for help with amending.

You can check the status of your amended return here, but allow 3 weeks after filing for it to show up.

New Member
Feb 26, 2020 10:13:07 AM

I haven't filed the amended taxes yet, I needed help knowing if I only need to change that on the amended form so I can send it off.  I don't have access to my own computer to download the software.

Expert Alumni
Feb 26, 2020 10:22:12 AM

Yes, change the filing status and add your spouse's information to make it a joint return.