Error code 534

You will see the following error in H&R Block’s 2024 tax software if, you indicated that your marital status changed to Single in 2024 and before the change, you were Married or Common-law:

You noted your marital status changed in {taxyear} and before this change, your marital status was married or common law. Because your marital status changed in 2024, you can’t choose single as your marital status on December 31, 2024. It should be either separated or divorced. If you choose single as your marital status on Dec. 31, you can’t claim any amounts related to your ex-spouse/partner. If you want to claim these amounts, you must choose separated or divorced as your marital status on December 31, 2024, and you will have to paper file your return with the CRA. You can still Netfile your return with Revenu Québec. [error code: 534]

 

How do I fix this?

To fix this error, return to the Marital Status on December 31, 2023 page and select either Separated or Divorced as your marital status. Since your marital status changed from Married or Common-law in 2024, you can’t choose Single as your marital status – according to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), you’re only single if you’ve never been married or in a common-law relationship.

Note: Your marital status can’t be changed once Continue is clicked on the Verify your household’s information page. This page can be found on the left navigation menu by clicking Get Started, then Summary.

If you’re claiming any amounts related to your ex-spouse or ex-partner on your return, then make sure you select the correct marital status that applies to you. If your marital status is Single, you won’t be able to claim these amounts.

Note: If your spouse passed away in 2024, select Widowed as your marital status on December 31, 2024 to ensure that you’re able to claim the amounts related to your deceased spouse or partner.

When you carried forward your return from last year, you can delete your spouse’s or partner’s information before it is automatically entered in your 2024 return. If you want to file your return with a Single marital status, make sure:

  1. When carrying forward your return from last year, click Delete next to your spouse’s name on the fields have been transferred to this return page.
  2. In the Did your martial status change? dialog, click Yes, It Changed.
  3. Enter the information for the following questions:
    1. When did your martial status change?
    2. What was your martial status on December 31, 2024?
  4. In the Your spouse's information will be deleted dialog, click Yes, Delete.