What do i answer on Did you pay more than half the cost to keep up your home in 2016

[cheeks0606]

I'm not sure what to answer on this question Did you pay more than half the cost to keep up your home in 2016

[Opus 17]

answer yes or no.  The question is related to head of household status, and generally applies to single parents (or separated but not yet divorced) who also care for one or more qualifying dependents.  If you are head of household, your tax treatment is slightly more favorable than filing as single.

You would look at all the costs of keeping up your home (rent or mortgage, food, utilities, repairs, furnishings, property insurance--but not personal expenses for you or your dependents like clothes and entreatment).  

Then look at how those costs are paid (money your earned or money from your savings, money from charities or government assistance, money from friends, roommates, romantic partners, child support, alimony, or other relatives, charity, etc.).

Then do you pay more or less than half of the overall costs of maintaining your home?

[cheeks0606]

Thank you that was very helpful I appreciate it