Head of Household in Taxes (NOT SINGLE)

[slp_921]

I am "Head of Household" I support my sister in law who is working on getting her disability and does not work has -0- income why cannot i pick head of household this is wrong. I pay all her medicines, medical expenses, transport to dr. etc.   Not being able to put head of  household which is what I am is putting me at a higher  tax bracket.   She does not help me financially with anything. I even have to help her with my nieces' issues up North (her daughter). Iam not single in this case since she is family yet your software forces that option which reduces the taxes I am eligible for. 

[slp_921]

https://apps.irs.gov/app/vita/content/globalmedia/head_of_household_qualifying_person_4012.pdf

[PattiF]

You should be able to claim you sister-in-law as a qualifying person. You should check your answers to see if everything is entered correctly.

You can qualify for Head of Household if you:

1. Were unmarried as of December 31, 2020 and
2. Paid more than half the cost to run your (or a qualifying parent's) home this year (rent, mortgage, utilities, etc.) and
3. Supported a qualifying person.

If you were still legally married as of December 31, 2020 and a child lives with you, you can qualify for Head of Household under a slightly different set of rules. Read more.

After you answer all the questions about yourself and your dependents at the beginning of your return, we'll let you know if your situation qualifies for Head of Household.

You can also revisit these questions by selecting My Info (online) or Personal Info (software), and then selecting Edit next to your name or your dependent's.

[slp_921]

My ex-husband left the City and his sister is still living at the house. I support her. My ex cannot - he lives outside of the City in a small apartment. She needs access to her Dr's. 

I think I have to ammend my return and once this year's (2020) is processed ammend it to head of household also. The TT software does not allow me to pick HOH although I have a qualifying family dependent in my household that I support 100%.

[PattiF]

If you have already filed, you will have to amend to change your status to HOH.

The 1040-X that you will need to use for amending isn't available until 03/25/2021.

[slp_921]

Thanks - they have not even completed 2020 return. Will wait and then amend for 2020. Have to amend 2019 also the software defaults to single although i select hoh.