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Level 2
posted Mar 29, 2023 11:21:26 PM

Filing status - Head of Household

I am unmarried and I have a 7 year old half sister who is my dependent. She did not live with me, however, I provided full time support for her in terms of her all her expenses. She meets the requirements of 'Relatives who don't have to live with you' for the 

Member of Household or Relationship Test that is outlined in Publication 501 since she is my half sister. Can I file as Head of Household under these circumstances? 

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1 Replies
Level 15
Mar 30, 2023 3:59:14 AM

Q. Can I file as Head of Household (hoH) under these circumstances? 

A. No.  For HoH filing status, you relative must live with you for more than half the year*. That requirement is in addition to the requirements to be a "Qualifying Relative " dependent. 

 

Why isn't the person(s) she lives with claiming her as a dependent, instead of you. She only qualifies you for the (up to) $500 other dependent credit. But should would qualify a relative she lives with (most likely) for the (up to) $2000 child tax credit and maybe some Earned Income Credit.

 

 

*There is an exception if the relative is your parent.