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I married with dependents and my wife doesn't work. How come head of household isn't a better filing status for me?

 
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I married with dependents and my wife doesn't work. How come head of household isn't a better filing status for me?

If you are married and live with your spouse, it is illegal to use HOH. You can use Married Filing Jointly which is a much better deal than HOH because the standard deduction is much higher. You list your wife as your spouse (NOT as a dependent- your spouse is never your dependent) and you get a personal exemption for each of you. There is no requirement for both to have income when you file as MFJ.

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2 Replies

I married with dependents and my wife doesn't work. How come head of household isn't a better filing status for me?

If you are married and live with your spouse, it is illegal to use HOH. You can use Married Filing Jointly which is a much better deal than HOH because the standard deduction is much higher. You list your wife as your spouse (NOT as a dependent- your spouse is never your dependent) and you get a personal exemption for each of you. There is no requirement for both to have income when you file as MFJ.
Hal_Al
Level 15

I married with dependents and my wife doesn't work. How come head of household isn't a better filing status for me?

MFJ also gets lower tax rates than HoH.
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