How should my girlfriend and I file taxes with 2 children and me being HOH? Should I claim them all or should we split them up or should she claim them both?

[mdoerr1515]

Just trying to see what the best way to file is with 2 children and me (the boyfriend) being the HOH for the most return. Does it matter how this is done?

[xmasbaby0]

Are you the children's  bio-father as well as being the BF?   Do all of you live together?

[VolvoGirl]

Does your girlfriend have any income?  You can only claim her if she lived with you the whole year and she made less than $4,050 total income for the year.

[mdoerr1515]

Yes, I am the bio-father and the BF. We do live together and I cannot claim her as she makes over $4,050. Just wondering how to claim the kids?

[Carl]

If you all live under the same roof, only one of you can file HOH and claim the kids, assuming you qualify to claim the kids.

[rjs · Accepted solution]

You have to claim at least one of the children in order to file as head of household. Either you or your girlfriend can claim the other child. Try it out both ways and see which way gives you the largest total refund - either you claim both children, or you each claim one child. There's no formula or rule of thumb for which way is better. There are too many variables. You just have to prepare both tax returns, then experiment with where to put the second child for the best overall result.

[mdoerr1515]

Thank you rjs! This is what I was planning on doing but wanted to put it out there to see if there was a better option. I appreciate the feedback!