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New Member
posted Jun 1, 2019 1:51:51 PM

My mom has a huge house so I have my son and In the upstairs area. I pay the bills, even though they're in her name and have dif bank account. Can we both claim H.O.H?

I pay rent and half of bills, have separate bank accounts and our own living area. Can we both claim head of house hold?

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1 Best answer
Level 15
Jun 1, 2019 1:51:53 PM

While it is possible for two families to live under one roof to each claim HOH, be prepared to produce proof to the IRS that true separation exists - each family  pays it's own expenses, share of rent, upkeep, food, etc.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/3016633-can-two-people-claim-head-of-household

There have been some tax court ruling on this in the taxpayers favor after the IRS disallowed it when the taxpayers have shown that their living situation is separate and each was able to prove they paid more than half of their portion.   That does not mean that all facilities must be separate such as kitchen and bathrooms.

Keep good records since the IRS often will question two HOH at same address.


3 Replies
Level 15
Jun 1, 2019 1:51:51 PM

Does your mom have a different related dependent that she supports that also lives with her in her portion of the home that would qualify her for HOH?

New Member
Jun 1, 2019 1:51:53 PM

Yes she has my sister that she would claim, and I would claim my child

Level 15
Jun 1, 2019 1:51:53 PM

While it is possible for two families to live under one roof to each claim HOH, be prepared to produce proof to the IRS that true separation exists - each family  pays it's own expenses, share of rent, upkeep, food, etc.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/3016633-can-two-people-claim-head-of-household

There have been some tax court ruling on this in the taxpayers favor after the IRS disallowed it when the taxpayers have shown that their living situation is separate and each was able to prove they paid more than half of their portion.   That does not mean that all facilities must be separate such as kitchen and bathrooms.

Keep good records since the IRS often will question two HOH at same address.