Household


Definition of Household

A household is a group of people, typically a family, who live together in the same dwelling, and who are looked after by the same head of household. A household does not necessarily have to be compromised of two parents and their children. Relatives such as cousins, and other non-related people, may also live in the home and be a part of a household.



Household Explained

Households are used for tax purposes. For example, the head of the household may claim all of the household members whom he or she looks after as dependents. Dependents can sometimes include relatives or non-related persons, if the person(s) has been a member of the household for the duration of the tax year. In the event of a divorce, households can be split up, and parents can each take responsibility for household members for certain parts of the year.