Question

Natalie is married to Chad, who abandoned her in early June of 2019. 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 Natalie's filing status in 2019 is correct?

a) Natalie can use the rates for single taxpayers.

b) Natalie can file a joint return with Chad.

c) Natalie can file as a surviving spouse.

d) Natalie can file as a head of household.

e) None of these statements is appropriate.

Answer 1

Natalie can file as a head of household because she maintains a home for herself and her two dependent children, and her husband has abandoned her without communication since early June of 2019.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement regarding Natalie's filing status in 2019 is that she can file as a head of household. Since Chad abandoned her and she has had no communication with him since early June of 2019, she is not eligible to file a joint return with him. Additionally, filing as a surviving spouse is not applicable because Chad is not deceased. Filing as a head of household is appropriate because she maintains a home in which her two dependent children live. This status provides better tax rates than filing as single and offers more tax benefits compared to other filing statuses under her circumstances.