Compare All Tax Filing Statuses
See side-by-side how Head of Household compares to Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, and Qualifying Widow(er)
2025 Filing Status Overview
Standard Deduction
Single: $13,650
HOH: $22,500
MFJ: $27,300
MFS: $13,650
QW: $27,300
12% Bracket Starts
Single: $11,600
HOH: $16,550
MFJ: $23,200
MFS: $11,600
QW: $23,200
22% Bracket Starts
Single: $47,150
HOH: $63,100
MFJ: $94,300
MFS: $47,150
QW: $94,300
Detailed Comparisons
Head of Household vs Single
See exactly how much you save filing as HOH instead of Single. Average savings: $1,500-$3,000/year.
Compare Now →HOH vs Married Filing Jointly
Compare tax rates for single parents vs married couples. Understand when each status makes sense.
Compare Now →HOH vs Married Filing Separately
HOH is almost always better than MFS. See why separated/divorced parents should file HOH if eligible.
Compare Now →HOH vs Qualifying Widow(er)
Qualifying Widow(er) offers better rates for 2 years after spouse's death, then switch to HOH.
Compare Now →Real-World Savings Examples
$60,000 Single Income with 1 Child
| Filing Status | Standard Deduction | Taxable Income | Federal Tax | Child Tax Credit | Net Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of Household | $22,500 | $37,500 | $4,169 | -$2,000 | $2,169 |
| Single | $13,650 | $46,350 | $5,379 | -$2,000 | $3,379 |
| HOH Savings: | $1,210/year | ||||
$100,000 Single Income with 2 Children
| Filing Status | Standard Deduction | Taxable Income | Federal Tax | Child Tax Credit | Net Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of Household | $22,500 | $77,500 | $12,041 | -$4,000 | $8,041 |
| Single | $13,650 | $86,350 | $14,219 | -$4,000 | $10,219 |
| HOH Savings: | $2,178/year | ||||
Not Sure Which Filing Status to Use?
Use our interactive wizard to determine your best filing status based on your situation
When to Use Each Filing Status
✅ Use Head of Household If:
- • You are unmarried or considered unmarried
- • You paid more than half the cost of keeping up a home
- • A qualifying person lived with you more than half the year
- • You have a child or parent who qualifies as a dependent
✅ Use Single If:
- • You are unmarried and do not qualify for HOH
- • You have no dependents
- • You do not pay more than half household costs
- • Dependents did not live with you enough of the year
✅ Use Married Filing Jointly If:
- • You are married and both spouses agree to file together
- • Generally gives the lowest tax for married couples
- • Both spouses report all income and deductions
- • Both are responsible for the tax owed
✅ Use Qualifying Widow(er) If:
- • Your spouse died in the past 2 years
- • You have a dependent child living with you
- • You paid more than half the cost of the home
- • You have not remarried
Calculate Your Taxes with Any Filing Status
Use our calculator to see your exact tax liability with Head of Household or any other filing status
Calculate My Taxes