Do you get anything for filing head of household?
James Craig
Published Apr 06, 2026
Heads of household can claim a 50% larger standard tax deduction than single filers. They also benefit from wider tax brackets on lower income levels, among other benefits. Suspecting abuse, Congress recently required tax preparers to get documentation that qualifies someone to be a head of household.
Heads of household can claim a 50% larger standard tax deduction than single filers. They also benefit from wider tax brackets on lower income levels, among other benefits.
Who is considered head of household for tax purposes?
Head of household is a filing status for single or unmarried taxpayers who have maintained a home for a qualifying person, such as a child or relative. This filing status provides a larger standard deduction and more generous tax rates for calculating federal income tax than the Single filing status.
What does Head of Household mean tax?
What’s the standard deduction for Head of Household?
The taxpayer using the Head of Household filing status is entitled to use the Head of Household tax rates, which feature wider tax brackets. Also, the taxpayer is entitled to a larger standard deduction ($18,000 for tax year 2018) than taxpayers using Single or Married Filing Separately ($12,000 for 2018).
Do you have to maintain home to file taxes as Head of Household?
Looking ahead to 2018, taxpayers will not claim exemptions for children and other dependents. However, they will still be required to maintain a home for a qualifying person. We expect that the IRS guidance will be modified slightly to reflect the new tax law. Have additional questions about filing statuses or need help filing your return?
What are the advantages of using Head of Household?
Advantages. The taxpayer using the Head of Household filing status is entitled to use the Head of Household tax rates, which feature wider tax brackets. Also, the taxpayer is entitled to a larger standard deduction ($18,000 for tax year 2018) than taxpayers using Single or Married Filing Separately ($12,000 for 2018).
