Can I file HOH so that my AGI is not included on wife's loan recertification since she did not work at all in the year 2017?

[craddycakes]

I have 3 qualifying children, and I fully care for them since my wife does not work (disabled). She has student loans under a repayment plan and before we married she had very low payments using just her income. Since she has not worked this year, can I file HOH and just claim my 3 children instead of filing MFJ? She wouldn't be filing a return at all if I did. I don't want file MFJ and the loan officers take the return and use my AGI for a new payment as I'm trying to take care of my family and pay the lower student loan payment. I make good money so I know the payment would shoot up (I used an online calculator). Trying to figure out what to do next year for the both of us.

[macuser_22 · Accepted solution]

Head or Household is for *unmarried* persons or *considered unmarried* that have not lived with their spouse at any time during the last 6 months of the tax year.   You can either file jointly or separately (which will reduce or eliminate several credits).   Usually jointly is best but student loans can be a determining factor.  If you and your wife have lived together HOH is not an option.

[craddycakes]

Thanks! Nope haven’t lived together, her disability forced us to put her in a care facility. But I’m not going to divorce her over student loans. Again, appreciate the insight.

[macuser_22]

You don't need to be divorced to file HOH, just not living together for the last 6 months of the tax year and have a qualifying child, stepchild or foster child living with you that you support can qualify you.

If you have not lived together for the last 6 months of the year *and* you have a qualifying child living with you in a home that you provide (a requirement for HOH filing stratus)  then you might be able to file HOH.