How to File Head of Household Claiming 2 Kids

Filing a head of household 1040 form

Before you fill out your tax returns, you must determine what filing status you can claim. If you meet the guidelines for filing for head of household, you can definitely mark the "Head of Household" box on the federal and state income tax returns. However, before doing anything, you must meet some requirements that are strictly enforced by the IRS and use the correct 1040 form.

Things You'll Need

• Social security numbers for dependents
• 1040 form

Instructions

1. The following conditions determine if you meet the requirements for claiming head of household. You are considered unmarried as of December 31 of the tax year in which you are filing for You paid for more than half of the upkeep of a home for the tax year. The two children lived with you for more than half the year with only temporary absences. If you qualify, you can file your 1040 as head of household.

2. Choose the correct 1040 form. If you are filing head of household, you can use form 1040 or 1040A. You must select head of household under filing status. You cannot use the 1040EZ if you are claiming head of household with dependents.

3. Enter the names of your kids under dependents. You will need a social security number for each child to claim each as a dependent. Make sure to enter the social security numbers, names and birthdates as you did when you applied for their social security numbers.

4. Use the head of household column when using the tax tables to find out your tax liability for the tax year in which you are claiming head of household. Use the standard deduction for head of household if you are not itemizing deductions.

References

• IRS: Head of Household Requirements