How much does a single mom get back in taxes?
Parents expect the highest tax returns: A third of respondents with children under 18 expect a $2,000+ return, versus 9% of those with adult children and 5% of those with no kids. Plus, 22% of married couples think they’ll get a $2,000-plus return, compared to 11% of single people.
Determine who you can claim as a dependent as a single mom
The more kids you can claim as a dependent, the higher the deductions and credits for your dependents.
Head of household status if you’re a single mom
If you were unmarried on Dec. 31, 2021, earn at least 50 percent of your household income, and your kids live with you for 6 months of the year or more total, single moms can file as head of household, and claim HOH on your W4
The American Rescue Plan raised the maximum child tax credit in 2021 to $3,600 for qualifying children under age 6 and $3,000 per child for ages 6 to 17. Most families will have received about half of their tax credit through monthly advance payments.
Child care deductions for single moms
If this tax-sheltering benefit is available through your employer or business, single heads of household can contribute up to $5,000 tax-free to pay for child care expenses for dependent children.
The maximum income limit for the 2021 earned income credit is: $42,158 for a head of household with one child. $47,915 for a head of household with two children. $51,464 for a head of household filer with three or more children.