Head of household: a better status for single parents.
Head of household is for unmarried people who pay more than half the cost of keeping up a home for a qualifying person, like their child. It gives a bigger standard deduction and lower tax than single. See all our tax preparation services in Queens.
Usually you need all three
Unmarried on Dec 31
Or considered unmarried, for example living apart from your spouse for the last six months of the year.
You paid over half
Rent or mortgage, utilities, food and other home costs.
A qualifying person
Usually your child who lived with you more than half the year. A parent you support can also count even if they live elsewhere.
Source: IRS: Publication 501 (filing status, dependents, standard deduction)
Single vs head of household
Maria is a single mom in Ozone Park who earned $45,000 and pays the rent for her and her son.
Filing as head of household also gives her wider tax brackets, and her son may qualify her for the child tax credit.
Feels complicated? Worried about a mistake? We’ll do it for you.
Taxes are not rocket science, but one wrong box can shrink your refund or bring an IRS letter months later. If your return feels confusing, bring it to us. Book now for the coming season and we’ll prepare your 2026 return, filed in early 2027.
Why people trust us with their taxes
- A licensed CPA, not just a tax preparer or agent. A licensed CPA prepares and reviews your return and stands behind it.
- The best prices in the market. Every return is different, and we price yours to match what it needs.
- Free consultation to look at your situation and your 2026 and 2027 plan.
- Security: your documents and money decisions are handled by a licensed professional.
- Your language: English, Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi.
Frequently asked
Can I claim head of household for supporting my parents?
Possibly, if you pay more than half the cost of keeping up their home and they qualify as your dependents. The rules are detailed, so ask our CPA.
What happens if I claim it wrongly?
The IRS can deny it and charge the extra tax plus interest. A CPA can confirm you qualify before you file.
Sources: IRS: Publication 501 (filing status, dependents, standard deduction) · IRS: Tax year 2026 inflation adjustments
Figures and rules on this page come from the official and published sources linked above, as of November 2026. People and numbers in the examples are made up to explain the idea. This page is general information, not tax or legal advice for your situation, and laws change; check the linked source or ask a licensed CPA before you act.
Book your free consultation.
Sit down with a licensed CPA to review your business structure and plan your 2026 and 2027 tax returns.