Head of Household
What Is Head of Household?
Head of household is a tax filing status available to unmarried taxpayers who support and maintain a home for a qualifying dependent.
This filing status generally provides more favorable tax rates and a larger standard deduction than filing as single.
Why It Matters
Head of household status can reduce the amount of tax owed by providing access to lower tax brackets and higher deductions.
It is intended to provide tax relief to individuals who financially support dependents.
How Head of Household Works
To qualify for head of household status, taxpayers must generally meet several criteria:
- be unmarried or considered unmarried
- pay more than half the cost of maintaining a household
- have a qualifying dependent living with them for most of the year
Taxpayers claim this status when filing their tax return.
Example
A single parent who pays most household expenses and supports a child may qualify to file as head of household.
Head of Household vs Single Filing Status
- Head of household offers lower tax rates and higher deductions.
- Single filing status generally applies to individuals without qualifying dependents.
FAQs About Head of Household
Can married individuals file as head of household?
Usually no, unless specific conditions apply.
Who qualifies as a dependent for this status?
Typically a child or relative who lives with and depends on the taxpayer.
Does this status reduce taxes?
Yes. It often results in lower taxes than filing as single.
Related Terms
