how does claiming HOH effect the dependants tax status?

[Kenny911s]

My son has been living with me for several years now. He was married a few years back and now has a 2 year old son. They all live with me (rent free, and do not share in any of the upkeep of home) I have never claimed HOH while he has lived with me. My question is how does and will me claiming HOH effect his taxes? (how should he file his taxes?)  He is self employed. I don't want to effect his taxes. If in fact I decide to claim HOH, how far can I go back and amend my taxes? and if I amend does that mean my son has to go back and amend also?

[VolvoGirl]

First of all you can only claim him as a dependent if he had less than $4,400 total income for 2022.  He would have to say he is a dependent on his return and can't claim any dependents of his own.  If he's married he is probably filing a Joint return with his spouse.  

You need to claim a qualifying dependent to get Head of Household.  Here's a FAQ for Head of Household

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/family/help/do-i-qualify-for-head-of-household/00/25539

Who is a qualifying person for Head of Household

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/family/help/what-is-a-qualifying-person-for-head-of-household/00/2...

[JohnB5677]

If you are married, you cannot take head of household, so all the rest of this doesn't matter.

Here are the conditions for your son & grandson to be dependents.

Yes, you can if they meet these criteria:

• They are not claimed as dependent by anyone else.
• They are US citizens.
• They live with you. They must live at your residence all year.
• They made less than $4,400 in 2022. 
• You financially support the. You must provide more than half of your relative’s total support each year.

I expect that your son earns in excess of $4,400.  So, he would not qualify as a dependent; however, your grandson could.

If you claim your grandson, your son cannot.  The significant difference is in the standard deduction.

For single taxpayers and married individuals filing separately, the standard deduction is $12,950 in 2022.

For heads of households, the standard deduction is $19,400.