My husband has been on workmans comp for over a year, can I file head of household?

[Carl]

No. If you and your husband have lived together in the last 6 months of 2015, HOH is not an available option for you. The only options are MFS or MFJ. Filing MFJ will most likely be the most tax advantageous way to file.

[sydpar01]

I"m sorry to hear that he has been out of work. Yes you can file head of household

[SweetieJean]

@sydpar01  Not true. HOH is used by single parents with children. It cannot be used by a married couple living together.

[Carl]

For additional information supporting the fact that you can not file HOH, see <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894553">https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894553</a>

[xmasbaby0]

If you and your spouse live together, there is no advantage to HOH, anyhow.  It seems to be a myth that filing Head of Household is the best filing status.You do not “claim” a spouse as a dependent.  By filing as “Married Filing Jointly” you will each get the $4000 personal exemptions and the standard deduction of $12,600 for a married couple.  (In contrast to the HOH standard deduction of $9250)

Married Filing Jointly is usually better, even if one spouse had little or no income. When you file a joint return, you and your spouse will each receive the $4000 personal exemption, plus the married filing jointly standard deduction of $12,600 (add $1250 for each spouse over the age of 65).  You are eligible for more credits including education credits, earned income credit, child and dependent care credit, and a larger income limit to receive the child tax credit.