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Level 1
posted Feb 7, 2024 4:41:17 AM

Turbo changed my filing status to head of household instead of single like it should be what can I do? Will I be penalized?

0 4 329
1 Best answer
Expert Alumni
Feb 7, 2024 6:32:29 AM

First, you should be sure which filling status is correct for you.  If TurboTax listed you as Head Of Household, there was a reason.

 

The Single filling status is pretty simple.

  • You have no dependents.
  • Your not married.
  • Your not married and filling separately.

The Head of Household is a little more complicated.

  • Have a qualifying child or dependent
    • This does not have to be a child.
    • If a parent or someone else lives with you they may qualify.
  • Pay for more than half of the household expenses
  • Be considered unmarried on the last day of the tax year

It sounds like you listed someone as a dependent.

 

Please se: Guide to Filing Taxes as Head of Household

4 Replies
Level 15
Feb 7, 2024 6:21:47 AM

You did not want to file as Head of Household?   When you entered qualified dependents and your filing status of Single or married filing separately in My Info----the software offered you the filing status of HOH.  You had to click to accept that filing status.

 

Why do you think you will be penalized?  What is your reason for not wanting to file as HOH?  

Expert Alumni
Feb 7, 2024 6:32:29 AM

First, you should be sure which filling status is correct for you.  If TurboTax listed you as Head Of Household, there was a reason.

 

The Single filling status is pretty simple.

  • You have no dependents.
  • Your not married.
  • Your not married and filling separately.

The Head of Household is a little more complicated.

  • Have a qualifying child or dependent
    • This does not have to be a child.
    • If a parent or someone else lives with you they may qualify.
  • Pay for more than half of the household expenses
  • Be considered unmarried on the last day of the tax year

It sounds like you listed someone as a dependent.

 

Please se: Guide to Filing Taxes as Head of Household

Level 1
Feb 7, 2024 8:32:34 AM

It tried to change it and I put no file single. I don’t want to claim hoh because my lease isn’t in my name. I have 4 dependents though

Level 15
Feb 7, 2024 8:41:20 AM


@jeanwife2011-icl wrote:

It tried to change it and I put no file single. I don’t want to claim hoh because my lease isn’t in my name. I have 4 dependents though


The filing status of Head of Household is not a legal status that would apply to home ownership.  It is a tax filing status only used on a tax return for your Standard Deduction and other credits or deductions on your tax return.