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Can you claim head of household if you live with girlfriend?

By Jessica Hardy

Your girlfriend or boyfriend can never be your Qualifying Person for the Head of Household filing status. You are able to claim him as a dependent because he is your Qualifying Relative, but he is not a Qualifying Person for Head of Household because he is not actually related to you.

What is qualifying person for head of household?

he or she lived with you more than half the year, and you can claim him or her as a dependent, and is one of the following: son, daughter, stepchild, foster child, or a descendant of any of them; your brother, sister, half brother, half sister or a son or daughter of any of them; an ancestor or sibling of your father …

Can You claim your girlfriend as Head of Household?

While you may under certain circumstances be able to claim your girlfriend as a dependent, you will not be able to file as head of household simply because she lives with you.

Who is a qualifying person for Head of Household?

Qualifying Person for Head of Household. A Qualifying Person is someone who qualifies you to file as Head of Household if they lived with you in your home for more than half the year, not counting temporary absences. Your parent, however, does not have to live with you to be a Qualifying Person.

Do you have to file taxes as Head of Household?

If you qualify as Head of Household, you will have a lower tax rate and a higher standard deduction than a Single filer. Also, Heads of Household must have a higher income than Single filers before they owe income tax. Do you need to file a tax return?

How to determine Head of Household filing status?

The “HOHucator” tool will help you determine whether or not you qualify for the Head of Household filing status. You can efile your tax return using the Head of Household if you meet all 3 of these Head of Household filing status requirements: