Do you file divorced only the year the divorce was finalized? Let's say the divorce was finalized in 2012. Do you file Divorced for 2012 and Single subsequent tax years?

[torger76]

I just assumed you always filed divorced after a divorce, unless you get married again. However, reading the instructions it seems I should file single now that it's been years since my divorce has been finalized.

[ToddL99 · Accepted solution]

File as "Single" (or "Head of Household", if you qualify).

"Divorced" is not a filing status; the program asks that question to prompt certain interviews that pertain to recently divorced persons.

IRS filing statuses are: Single; Married, Filing Jointly; Married, Filing Separately; Head of Household; Qualifying Widow/Widower.

[VolvoGirl]

Look at all your old returns, even 2012.  They will either be Single or Head of Household if you had a qualifying child.  Don't  worry about it.  If you say Divorced at the beginning then Turbo Tax will ask you extra questions.  But you can still enter everything no matter what you select.