I homeschool my children, can i file my occupation as a teacher

[sunilram76]

home school in state of WA. i dont get a paid and dont have a W2, can i still file my occupation as a teacher

[VolvoGirl]

You can type anything you want in the Occupation box.  It isn't used for anything except maybe IRS statistics.  If you have no income you do not need to file a return unless you are married and file a Joint return.  Or you get a 1095 A for Marketplace Health Ins.   

[DoninGA]

When asked for your occupation you can enter anything you want since it is only used for statistical purposes.

However, if you have no income of any kind in 2023 from wages, self-employment income, interest, dividends or capital gains, there is no reason to file a tax return.

Note - Washing state does not have a personal income tax so there is not a state income tax return to file.

Unless you also received a Form 1095-A for your health insurance through one of the State Marketplace Exchanges or from healthcare.gov then you must file a federal tax return.

[rjs]

If you do file a tax return and say you are a teacher, you cannot claim the deduction for educator expenses or any other benefits based on calling yourself a teacher.

[Mike9241]

I wouldn't because then the iRS might look for a w-2 or schedule C where your "income" from teaching would be reported.  If you are not earning compensation, "not working" or "unemployed" would be better though how much attention the iRS pays to the occupation listed is unknown. 

Occupation refers to:
A person's usual or principal work or business, especially as a means of earning a living.