Head of Household Changed to Single

[DuizhangJerry]

Turbotax Premier 2024 suggested that I file as Head of Household.  I'm unmarried and support my 25 year old daughter who has no income, isn't a full-time student, and isn't being claimed on her mother's return.  The State of California denied my status and changed it to Single. 
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Question: Why would Turbotax recommend Head of Household?

[DoninGA]

Because you qualified for Head of Household filing status on the federal tax return.

See this TurboTax support FAQ for Head of Household - https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-filing-status/qualify-head-household...

[DuizhangJerry]

According to the FAQ, I didn't qualify as Head of Household because my daughter is 25 years old and not a full-time student, yet Turbotax recommended Head of Household.

[DoninGA]

@DuizhangJerry She was a qualifying person under the Qualifying Relative rules.  

See this TurboTax support FAQ for qualifying person - https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-filing-status/qualifying-person-head...

[DuizhangJerry]

Same question then... Why did California change it to Single?

[DoninGA]

@DuizhangJerry You will have to contact the California FTB to find out why since you were eligible on the federal tax return.

[DuizhangJerry]

Thank you.

[DuizhangJerry]

California said that my daughter doesn't qualify due to her being 25 and not a full time student, yet the Feds approved my Head of Household status.  Is California wrong?  If so, how?

A qualifying child would be:

• Your child (including legally adopted), stepchild, foster child, sibling, half-sibling, step-sibling, or a descendant of any of them (for example, your grandchild or niece) AND
• Permanently and totally disabled OR under the age of 19 as of December 31, 2024 (under 24 if a full-time student) and younger than you (or your spouse, if filing jointly) AND
• Lived with you for more than half the year
  AND
• Single (or if the child is married, you'd have to qualify to claim them as a dependent even if you're not going to claim them as such)

[KeshaH]

Did your daughter live with you for more than six months? 

[DuizhangJerry]

yes, she lived with me for the whole year.

[Vanessa A]

If she is 25, then she does not qualify as a qualifying child.  As you posted above, they have to be under 24 and a full time student, unless they are permanently and totally disabled. She would however be considered a Qualifying Relative.  

California follows the same rules as the IRS for Head of Household and Dependents.  You would need to contact the FTB to find out why they changed your status.