How to file

Someonethere2 · ‎March 31, 2026

SharonD007

You may be able to file using the Head of Household (HOH) filing status while legally married if you lived separate from your spouse for the last six months of the year, paid over half the household costs, and claimed a qualifying dependent child. This is known as the "considered unmarried" rule, allowing a better tax rate than Married Filing Separately (MFS).

Review the TurboTax articles Guide to Filing Taxes as Head of Household, Do I qualify for Head of Household in 2025?, and Filing Taxes as the Head of Household for more information.

If your spouse lived with you during the last six months of the year, you will have to use the MFS filing status.

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