One of the filing status’ requirements is that at least one “qualifying person” live with you for a majority of the tax year, which can be your son, father or any other person. To use the head of household filing status, however, it isn’t necessary that you actually claim your son as a dependent.
When do you file as Head of Household?
Even if your father or mother did not live with you for more than half of the tax year, you may still qualify to file as head of household. If you paid for more than half of the living expenses for your parent’s main home throughout the entire tax year and you are eligible to claim him as a dependent, then you may file as head of household.
Who is a qualifying child for Head of Household?
A Qualifying Child who is single. A Qualifying Child who is married, as long as you can claim them as a dependent. (They can still be your Qualifying Person if the only reason you cannot claim them is that you can be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return).
Can a divorced parent file as Head of Household?
Qualifying child. For divorced or separated parents, if the child lived in your home for more than half of the year, you may file as head of household, even if the divorce or separation agreement gives the other parent the right to claim the child as a dependent.
Can a Head of Household file as a dependent?
In some cases, you may be eligible to file as head of household even if you are unable to claim your child as a dependent.
Who is eligible for Head of Household status?
You must have paid more than half the maintenance costs for the home where you and the dependent lived. The qualifying dependent can be a child or relative, and if it’s your parent, he or she doesn’t have to live with you for you to claim the head of household status. See Claiming a Parent as a Dependent.
What are the benefits of being Head of Household?
Filing as head of household has a number of benefits that can potentially save you a lot of money on your taxes. One of the filing status’ requirements is that at least one “qualifying person” live with you for a majority of the tax year, which can be your son, father or any other person.
