Can I file Head of Household?

[Anonymous]

I got divorced on October 12, 2018 and my wife had no job for the entire year, can I claim head of household?  It seems unfair that I supported someone the entire year up to October and can't get a tax break? If not I am on the hook for $2,802 in taxes, that's crazy.

[Leonard]

No from the information in your question you do not meet the requirements to file as Head of Household. 

To file as Head of Household you must be  unmarried or considered unmarried as of December 31, 2018 and either of the following applied:

1. You paid more than half the cost of keeping up the home of your parent, whom you can claim as a dependent, for all of 2018. Your parent did not have to live with you in your home.

2. You paid more than half the cost of keeping up a home where you and one of the following lived for more than half the year:

For your unmarried child, adopted child, grandchild, or stepchild who is under age 19 or a full-time student under age 24 or who is permanently and totally disabled. This child does not necessarily need to qualify as your dependent or be claimed on your tax return as your dependent.

  - Your dependent married child, adopted child, foster child, or any other dependent relative. On your tax return, you claim this person as your dependent.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the help

[Leonard]

You are welcome