Dear TaxChatter: Head of Household vs. Single filing status?

Dear TaxChatter: I am single with no children but I have my own house & pay all my own bills so why is my filing status "single" and not "head of household" on my tax return?

Sincerely,

Independent in Iowa

Dear Independent in Iowa: to claim head of household certain requirements need to all be met:

• You’re unmarried on the last day of the year

• You paid more than half the cost of keeping up a home for a qualifying person during the year and

• A qualifying person lived with you in the home for more than half the year (6+ months)

Head of Household is reserved for taxpayers with the above qualifying factors & unfortunately since you do not have a qualifying person you are not entitled to claim this filing status.