In October 2019,Joy and Paul separated and have not lived with each other since,but they are still legally married.They do not file a joint return.Joy supports their children after the separation and pays the cost of maintaining their home.Joy's filing status in 2019 and 2020 is,respectively
A)single for both years.
B)head of household and single.
C)married filing separately for both years.
D)married filing separately and head of household.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Joy and Paul are still legally married, but they are not living with each other since October 2019. Therefore, they cannot file a joint return. As Joy is the one supporting their children and paying the cost of maintaining their home, she qualifies for the head of household status. However, as she is still legally married, she cannot file as a single taxpayer. Thus, the best choice for Joy's filing status in 2019 and 2020 is Married Filing Separately and Head of Household.

In October 2019,Joy and Paul Separated and Have Not Lived