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Level 2
November 13, 2024
Question

How do I file?

  • November 13, 2024
  • 3 replies
  • 9 views

My husband and I are not legally separated or divorced yet (although I have filed for divorce)  We have not lived together at all this year, and I have a daughter from a previous relationship that I care for on my own. Am I able to file as head of household for myself this year even if there is no legal separation or divorce in place?

    3 replies

    Level 15
    November 13, 2024

    If you and your spouse live apart for at least the last six months of 2024, you will be able to file as Head of Household and claim your child as your qualifying dependent.  Your spouse will have to file as married filing separately.

     

     

    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 marital 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.**
    LB240Author
    Level 2
    November 13, 2024

    This is very helpful,  thank you!

    Level 15
    November 13, 2024

    The question, not addressed by the other answer, is does your child qualify.  You only said previous relationship.

     

    The child qualifies you to file HOH if the child is:

    1. Your biological child

    2. Your stepchild (even if you divorced, the child still qualifies you)

    3. Placed in your home by the state or a state-approved foster care agency.

    4. Your adopted child.

     

    However, if the child is not one of these types of relationships, and you just ended up caring for them because families are messy sometimes (for example, the biological child of a former partner whom you never married), they are not a qualifying child for HOH.

     

    You weren't specific, so I just wanted to put that out there.  

    LB240Author
    Level 2
    November 13, 2024

    She is my biological daughter. I definitely should have added that. Appreciate your response 

    Level 15
    December 7, 2024

    If you and your spouse live apart for at least the last six months of 2024, you will be able to file as Head of Household and claim your child as your qualifying dependent.  Your spouse will have to file as married filing separately.

     

     

    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 marital 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.**