Penalty for Filing Head of Household While Married Head of household rules are strict. If you incorrectly choose head of household as your filing status, there is not any particular penalty, but you will have to file an amended return to correct the issue.

What qualifies as head of household if married?

To qualify for the head of household filing status while married, you must be considered unmarried on the last day of the year, which means you must: File your taxes separately from your spouse. Pay more than half of the household expenses. Not have lived with your spouse for the last 6 months of the year.

Can a married person claim the Head of Household filing status?

Can a married person claim the Head of Household filing status? The rules for filing with the Head of Household status are designed to help single persons with dependents, but in some cases, married persons can claim the head of household filing status.

What happens if you file Head of Household incorrectly?

If you incorrectly claim head-of-household filing status, the ultimate outcome can be as painless as paying some additional tax dollars and interest. The IRS indicates that it will probably take about a month to review your matter after it questions your filing status.

Can a Head of Household file an amended tax return?

IRS Form 886-H-HOH lists the various types of documentation you can use to prove you qualify as head of household. If you haven’t yet received a notice but you know you goofed, you can file an amended tax return using the correct filing status.

What are the rules for Head of Household?

Check with a tax professional if you’re in this situation because even more complicated rules apply. For head-of-household status, you must also pay for more than half the cost of maintaining your home throughout the year, but you can’t count any and all expenses when you’re calculating this.