Do Your Homework Before Filing Your Tax Return

Particularly if this is the first year you'll be filing your taxes as a single mom or dad, it's important to research how your single status may affect your taxes -- and even save you a few dollars.  For example, you may be wondering:

• Do I qualify for "Head of Household" status?
• Does child support count as taxable income?
• Can both parents claim the same child as a deduction?
• Am I eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit?
• And more

Before you start filling out those forms or working through a tax software program, take the time to understand the various credits and deductions that may be available to you, by reading the updated-for-2012 resource, Tax Breaks for Single Parents.

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