Head-of-Household vs Single: Which Saves You More?
Compare tax brackets, standard deductions, and see real savings examples for 2025
Key Differences at a Glance
Head-of-Household | Single | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Deduction (2025) | $22,500 | $14,600 |
| 10% Tax Bracket Ends | $11,925 | $11,925 |
| 12% Tax Bracket Range | $11,925 - $45,500 | $11,925 - $48,475 |
| 22% Tax Bracket Starts | $45,500 | $48,475 |
| Estimated Savings vs Single | $1,000 - $3,500/year | (baseline) |
Who Qualifies for Head-of-Household?
To file as Head-of-Household, you must meet ALL of these requirements:
- 1You are unmarried or considered unmarried on the last day of the tax year
- 2You paid more than half the cost of keeping up a home for the year
- 3A qualifying person lived with you in the home for more than half the year (exceptions exist for parents)
Qualifying persons include: Your unmarried child, stepchild, foster child, or descendant; your married child (if you can claim them); your parent (even if they don't live with you); or certain other relatives who lived with you all year.
Real Savings Examples
$40,000 Income
Save $1,185/year
Filing Single
$3,015
federal tax owed
Filing HOH
$1,830
federal tax owed
$75,000 Income
Save $1,738/year
Filing Single
$10,838
federal tax owed
Filing HOH
$9,100
federal tax owed
$120,000 Income
Save $3,509/year
Filing Single
$21,759
federal tax owed
Filing HOH
$18,250
federal tax owed
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't file HOH if you're married: Unless you meet specific "considered unmarried" IRS criteria
- Qualifying person must be a dependent: (with rare exceptions for parents)
- You MUST pay more than half the household costs: Rent/mortgage, utilities, food, repairs, etc.