Head of Household (HOH) Filing: Reduce Your Taxes as a Single Parent
Are you single and supporting a child for more than half the year? You may qualify to lower your tax liability by filing as Head of Household (HOH). This filing status can provide significant tax benefits for single parents or individuals who financially support dependents.
What Is Head of Household (HOH) Status?
The HOH status applies to individuals who are unmarried for tax purposes and provide the primary financial support for a dependent. Filing as HOH generally results in lower tax rates and a higher standard deduction, reducing the amount you owe.
HOH Qualification Criteria
To qualify, you must meet all the following conditions:
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Be unmarried or considered unmarried on the last day of the tax year.
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Pay more than half the cost of maintaining a household for the year.
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Have a qualifying child or dependent who lives with you for more than half the year.
Benefits of Filing as Head of Household
Filing as HOH offers several advantages:
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Lower tax rates compared to Single or Married Filing Separately.
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Higher standard deduction, reducing taxable income.
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Eligibility for tax credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
HOH and Joint Custody Situations
You may claim HOH even with joint custody if your child lives with you for more than half of the year and you provide the primary financial support. Typically, the custodial parent claims HOH status.
Tips for Successfully Filing as HOH
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Keep accurate records of financial support and living arrangements.
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Understand who qualifies as a dependent or “qualifying child.”
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Consult a tax professional for complex situations or uncertainties.
Strategies to Maximize HOH Benefits
Optimize Your Deductions
HOH filers receive a higher standard deduction. Maintain detailed records of healthcare costs, state and local taxes, charitable contributions, and other qualifying expenses to ensure you maximize deductions.
Explore Tax Credits
Tax credits directly reduce your tax bill. Take advantage of credits such as:
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Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – especially valuable for families with dependents.
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Child and Dependent Care Credit – helps cover child care expenses.
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Education Credits – reduces taxes for qualifying educational costs.
Determine If You Qualify
If you’re unsure whether you qualify as Head of Household, Ojimmy Tax experts can help. Contact us for personalized guidance to optimize your tax situation and ensure you claim every available benefit.