Nelda is married to Chad,who abandoned her in early June of 2010.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 2010 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 the above statements is appropriate.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nelda can file as head of household because she maintained a household for her dependent children and lived apart from her husband for the last six months of the year. She does not qualify as a surviving spouse because she is not legally separated from her husband or widowed. She cannot file a joint return with her estranged husband as he has abandoned her and she has no means of communicating with him. She cannot use rates for single taxpayers as she has dependents.

Nelda Is Married to Chad,who Abandoned Her in Early June