How to File Taxes If You're Single With Four Kids
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the government monitoring service that ensures tax returns are properly prepared and filed. Tax law mandates how personal and financial information should be reported, but sometimes you have options in filing or areas of filing may not be clear. Your filing status for taxes when you're single with kids depends on your legal state concerning the children.
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Instructions
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Determine your filing status. Filing status is determined by your legal status on Dec. 31 of the tax filing year. If you were single on Dec. 31, then you can elect Single as your filing status, but that is likely not the best option. If you are the legal guardian for children, then select Head of Household as your filing status, because that status will provide you with larger deductions.
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Determine your legal status in relation to the children. Divorce decrees or child support documents often mandate which parent can claim exemptions for the children on their tax return. If you can legally claim the children, then list them on Form 1040 as dependents and complete the personal information for each child.
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Use your employer-issued Form W2 or other income documents to complete the remainder of your return. Be sure to calculate earned income credits for your dependents. Also, if your children are in day care that you pay for, you can deduct part of your day care expense.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are uncertain how to prepare your tax return, consider using a tax preparation software that will walk you through preparation using a series of questions or hire a tax professional.
