Video: How to Prove Head of Household for the IRS
Learn how to prove "Head of Household" status for the IRS with help from TurboTax in this video on tax tips.
Video Transcript
Are you filing as Head of Household on your taxes this year? Let's see how it can benefit you on this edition of Tax Tips by TurboTax.
Filing as head of household may entitle you to a higher standard deduction and lower tax rates. It may also increase your chances of qualifying for certain deductions and credits. To qualify for Head of Household on your tax return, you must be unmarried or considered unmarried by the IRS.
You also have to pay more than half the costs of keeping up a home during the tax year. In addition, a qualifying dependent, such as a child, should live with you for more than half of the year. An elderly parent can also be a qualifying person, but they don't have to live with you.
The IRS can require you to prove your eligibility to file as Head of Household. But don't worry, it's pretty simple.
First, you'll need to show that you provide more than half of the costs for maintaining your home. To prove this, you should keep records of household bills, mortgage payments, property taxes, food, and other necessary expenses you pay for.
Second, you will need to show that your dependent lived with you for more than half of the year. School or medical records are a great way to prove this.
Ready to file as Head of household? TurboTax will help you select the right filing status to get the tax benefits you deserve. Visit https://turbotax.intuit.com for more info to help you file your taxes with confidence.
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