Single Parent tax break?

Question

I'm a single mother of a 9 month old daughter. I was wonder if anyone knew about this supposed tax break I'm supposed to get when i file my taxes. I'm in texas, not sure if that matters, but I don't know whow I'm supposed to put in for this! Thanks!

Edit to add. I am her sole provider. Recieving no child support. Does that make a difference? I work a a local grocery store, i don't make much lol

I do have a SSN :) for both of us

Answer 1

Assuming that your child lives with you, you will file as Head of Household. That status offers a larger standard deduction and somewhat lower tax rates than filing Single.

You may be eligible to claim the Child Tax Credit. It can only reduce your tax to zero. If your income is low enough you will qualify for the Earned Income Credit. That is refundable so even if your tax liability is reduced to zero with the CTC you'll still get the EIC paid in cash.

Contrary to what another respondent posted your child MUST have an SSN for you to claim her. You can not attach a copy of the birth certificate in lieu of the SSN. If you do, the IRS will reject the exemption claim and recalculate your tax. You'll then have to file an amended return to correct things. They can also stick you with a $50 penalty for failing to provide her SSN on your return.

Answer 2

There is no tax break that is solely for single parents. There are the following tax breaks that apply to you that did not apply when you were not a parent.
1. If you were married to the father who died then you can file as "widower with qualifying child". This does not apply if (a) you never married, (b) the father is alive, (c) you were already divorced at the time of death.
2. Filing as "head of household". This is available only to unmarried and persons who are "considered unmarried". Being a parent is not an absolute requirement, but is generally necessary (the household must have at least two persons, must not violate local laws against unrelated persons living together, and must meet various other requirements; a single mother living with and supporting a baby and not living with anyone else should qualify).
3. Claiming an exemption for her (this would be possible even if you were married). No special form is required, just list her SS# on the return and list 2 exemptions (one for you and one for her) instead of one.
4. A larger earned income credit (the amount of the earned income credit is based on the number of qualifying children). Attach schedule EIC.

Answer 3

Wartz's first paragraph is good. But you need the social security number to claim your daughter as a dependent even if she's under age 1. Since those are usually applied for in the hospital when the child is born, I assume you have it by now anyway. If not, contact your social security office and apply right away.

If you can file as head of household, you'll get a larger standard deduction that filing as single. You'll also be able to claim an exemption and a child tax credit for your daughter. The above items will reduce your tax if you owe any.

If you use software to do your taxes, the software will lead you through what you have to do. They're pretty common things, so if you have someone prepare your taxes, any competent preparer will be able to handle it properly.

Answer 4

If you are the head of your household of two and provide more than half your daughter's support, you file your return as head of household and get a larger standard deduction than if you were just "single", two exemptions, a $1,000 child credit and, if your income is low enough, earned income credit.

Your child will need a Social Security Number by the time she is one year old. For your first return, attach a copy of her birth certificate.