Nelda is married to Chad, who abandoned her in early June of 2017. She has not seen or communicated with him since then. She maintains a household in which she and her two dependent children live. Which of the following statements about Nelda's filing status in 2017 is correct?
A)Nelda can use the rates for single taxpayers.
B)Nelda can file a joint return with Chad.
C)Nelda can file as a surviving spouse.
D)Nelda can file as a head of household.
E)None of these statements is appropriate.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nelda can file as a head of household since she maintained a household for herself and her two dependent children for more than half of the year and her spouse did not live in the household during the second half of the year. Option A is incorrect because she cannot use the rates for single taxpayers since she has dependents. Option B is incorrect since she has not communicated with her spouse since early June and therefore cannot file a joint return. Option C is incorrect since she is not a surviving spouse as her spouse has not passed away.

Nelda Is Married to Chad, Who Abandoned Her in Early