Determining the correct tax filing status isn’t always straightforward. That’s especially true if the parents of a young child live together and aren’t married. Can both parents claim the more favorable head of household (HOH) status? According to the IRS, the answer is no. Only one parent can claim HOH status for a qualifying child. To be eligible, a parent must furnish more than half the cost of maintaining a home for themselves and a child. If both parents contribute equally, the IRS applies a tiebreaker rule to determine who can file with HOH status. Learn more by visiting this IRS FAQ page: bit.ly/3T5JUp5 , or feel free to ask us about your filing status when we prepare your return. Contact us with any questions. © 2025