Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: pres
Head of household is the person who takes care of a family. They provide food, shelter, and other things that the family needs. When it comes to taxes, a head of household is someone who is not married and has at least one dependent living with them for more than half of the year. They pay less taxes than single people. In some places, a head of household can also protect their home from being taken away if they owe money.
Definition: Head of household refers to the primary person who provides for a family. This person is responsible for practical support and maintenance of their family members who are related to them by adoption, blood, or marriage and who live together. This obligation is based on moral or legal responsibility.
For federal income tax purposes, there are five basic tax statuses:
The filing category of heads of household refers to persons who are unmarried or legally separated from their spouse and who are required to provide a residence for at least one dependent for more than half of the tax year. Those who file as heads of household are taxed at a lower rate than those who file as single persons.
In homestead law, most jurisdictions have adopted homestead exemption statutes that allow heads of household to designate their homes and land as homesteads, exempting them from general debt enforcement in bankruptcy. In addition, some states provide property tax exemptions for homestead property.
Examples:
These examples illustrate the definition of head of household because both individuals are responsible for providing for their family members who live with them. They are the primary source of support and maintenance for their dependents, and they have a moral and legal obligation to do so.