U.S. TAX GUIDE IN THE UAE

What does it mean to have a head of household filing status?

Head of household is a tax filing status offering better tax rates and higher standard deductions compared to single or married filing separately. To qualify, you must provide over 50% of the financial support for a dependent or qualifying child during the tax year.

Who qualifies as a dependent or qualifying child?

  • Dependents: This can include children or even parents, depending on the situation.
  • Qualifying Children: Typically, this refers to a child under 19 (or 24 if a full-time student) living with you for more than half the year.

What are some examples of head of household eligibility?

  • Single Parent with a Dependent Child: A single taxpayer supporting a dependent child more than 50% can claim head of household status.
  • Married to a Non-Resident Alien: US citizens in the UAE or elsewhere, married to non-resident aliens, can claim this status if they have a dependent or qualifying child and provide over 50% of their support.

Are there any key points I should remember?

  • Tax Benefits: Head-of-household status can result in lower tax rates and a higher standard deduction.
  • Support Requirement: You must provide over half of the financial support for a dependent or qualifying child.
  • Varied Situations: Each case is unique, so consult a tax professional to determine if you meet the criteria