I have a friend who is in the same situation I'm in: I have a 2 year old son and I've been with his father for 3 1/2 years, we're not married. My friend's boyfriend filed as "Head of Household" and claimed HER as a dependent and got more money. I am trying to do the same thing since I made under $3300 and he supported me and my son so I could be a stay at home mom. At turbotax.com, why are they telling me I need to be in school or disabled in order for my boyfriend to get more money? Why did this work for my friend and not us, when we're in the same situation??
Finally, HOW can we get the absolute most money from filling the info out on turbotax.com?? Any advice?? Please e mail me if you need to go into detail or have anything to tell me, or just say it all here. Mattysmommy2004@yahoo.com. Thanks!
2007-01-24 19:19:46 · 3 answers · asked by mattysmommy2004 4 in Business & Finance ➔ Taxes ➔ United States
The rules related to claiming Head of Household have changed this year. A lot of people who have been able to claim HOH in the past cannot anymore. In the past, you could qualify as HOH based on a support test (who primarily supported the family, etc), now it's based on relationship (biological daughter, son etc). You are considered a qualifying relative to your significant other, but that does not qualify him to file HOH with you as a dependent. A good article to read about this is at this website: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/14/AR2006011400219_2.html
2007-01-25 05:13:29 · answer #1 · answered by clam001122 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have to agree with the first answer. I think you need a proper tax pro. I do not usually recommend H & R Block but they can often do quite well with this sort of return. If you do go to H & R Block, and you are concerned about fees, you can have them take the fee out of your refund. I think they charge an extra $25 for that service.
As to your question, it seems that the system thinks you have more than $3,300 in income. Review your input. Have you answered all of the initial questions accurately, including the one about living together, but not violating local law? That is a crucial one. Alternatively, the question could relate to a claim as a qualifying child. See the publication below, in particular page 18 onwards.
2007-01-25 07:11:50 · answer #2 · answered by skip 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would go to a live accounting services.. tax computer prep don't take those things into consideration, if the rule is you can claim a person (if you can prove the dependence)... but if you want the head of household you would have to claim your son... if your boyfriend claims you then you can't do both... Also your friend's boyfriend may have lied, if used turbo tax, stating married which would be why the cause for confusion....
Hope it helps
2007-01-25 03:33:28 · answer #3 · answered by De 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋