How do I qualify for head of household filing status?

RRoot1969
RRoot1969 Member Posts: 2 Newcomer
edited December 2024 in Filing my taxes

My ex-wife has lived in my apt for the last 1 full year as I have been helping out. As she is now an -ex-wife, of course I cannot file as Married and use the extra deduction amounts. However, is Head of Household a possibility? Or this filing status needs to strictly be a Family Member?

Are there any other options for tax breaks as I have been paying the majority of her living expenses this last full year?

Robert

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  • RRoot1969
    RRoot1969 Member Posts: 2 Newcomer

    So for the qualifying tests you mention:

    • 1. Not a qualifying child test, I assume this means the person cannot be a qualifying child? She is not as she is an ex wife.
    • 2. Member of household or relationship test, She is member of household and actually living here since May 2023, so not full year 2023, but full year 2024.
    • 3. Gross income test, She has not had a job due to some health issues and had no income besides about $500 for some dividends from CD's.
    • 4. Support test, I paid entire rent, utilities, internet etc. She has paid her own food only. So she has probably paid about 30% of her own expenses.

    Do I basically understand the point of each of these tests? Of course, I will likely still go to a tax pro this year to be sure it all looks good.

    Does The FreeTax USA software include validations for claiming a dependent along with the step by step prep wizard?

    Robert

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