Single vs HOH

[Anonymous]

I qualify to file as Single or HOH this year.  First year being single. Son (in college, earned 11K in 2019). I am thinking of filing as single as my itemized deductions will come close to 17K. This way son gets to file as single (first time filing) and get govt. stimulus.  If I file as HOH with him as dependent, I don't qualify for govt stimulus.  If increase in standard deductions is the only advantage I will get filing as HOH vs single, then I would like to file as single (as my itemized deductions come close to that limit ) and son get stimulus check. Is my thought process right or will I miss out on something else besides increase in itemized deduction limit  by not filing for HOH? thank you!

[Bsch4477]

If your son is under age 24, a full time student and does not provide more than half of his support then he is eligible to be your dependent and must file saying that someone CAN claim him. It does not matter that you choose not to claim him. 

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

Bsch4477 - You are right!  he is under 24, he is a full time student, I provide more than half his support.  Thank you for clarifying that he can't file as single.  One follow up question: Is it legally OK if I file as HOH or as single (given that I qualify for both).

thank you,

[Bsch4477]

No, you can’t say that you made him a gift of what you spent for his support and so he then provided half of his support.  

Yes, you can file as single or head of household.