Can I file head of household if my kids and I live in my fathers house and provide food, household supplies, maintain a separate bank account and phone?

[Hal_Al · Accepted solution]

Simple answer: no. 

That said, it's theoretically possible; but from a practical application, no. The rule is that you must have paid more than half the household expenses. If you paid half, the other person (your father) must have paid less than half.

If your situation closely matches the IRS "Acknowledged Significant Advice" at the link below, you probably qualify. http://www.unclefed.com/ForTaxProfs/irs-wd/1998/1998-041.pdf . It's a tough standard to meet and most living arrangements will not qualify. If it's family and not unrelated people, like 2 single moms sharing a residence, it's even more unlikely. If you try it, be prepared to prove it with detailed accounting records of household expenses.

If your separate phone is a mobile, not a land line, that doesn't count as a household expense