Head of Household Proof

[jjnoel12]

I’m new to head of household filing and received a letter from the state requesting additional proof of my rent/mortgage or utilities. What proof that will be acceptable if I live with a parent of mine and pay rent in cash throughout the year that covers my utilities (and my child’s)? The only expense that was refuels paid cia cash relating to our residence was groceries.

if there isn’t a way to do this, what should my next steps be?

[RayW7]

My suggestion, going forward, is to pay your rent/utilities by check so you have a record of expense.  

To prove this, just keep records of household bills, mortgage payments, property taxes, food and other necessary expenses you pay for. Second, you will need to show that your dependent lived with you for the entire year. School or medical records are a great way to do this.

The first requirement for filing as head of household is that you must have paid for more than half of the expenses involved in maintaining your household during the tax year.

This means that you must have paid more than half of the total household bills, including rent or mortgage, utility bills, insurance, property taxes, groceries, repairs and other common household expenses.

If you receive financial assistance toward your household expenses from a parent or other individual, you can still qualify to file as head of household as long as you are paying for more than 50 percent of the bills with your own earnings, savings, or capital.

-follow these link(s) for additional information-

Video: How to Prove Head of Household for the IRS ...

Guide to Filing Taxes as Head of Household - TurboTax Tax ...

[jjnoel12]

Thank you. I understand what is best to do moving forward after further looking into this all. I’m asking what is the best course of action to take now? Is there any reasonable proof to provide given the circumstances?

[AnnetteB6]

If your parent did not keep a record of your cash payments and you did not keep a record of your cash payments, there is not much of a chance to provide any tangible proof for the situation.  Even if personal records were kept by either you or your parent, they may not be acceptable to the state as 'proof'.  

You should contact the state requesting the further proof and ask what would be acceptable.  If you cannot provide what they need, then you may want to consider amending your return to change the filing status from Head of Household to Single.  Depending on your income, the actual change in your return may be minimal.

@jjnoel12