Filing status

My husband is retired and a US citizen, I am a UK citizen and we live in UK. What should his filing status be on his tax return. His only income is his social security from US and a little interest from UK and US. We have been married a number of years. We get very confused whether he should be filing as single or head of household or what.
Please help.

Most folks in that situation would use married filing separately. Single is not allowed because he is married!

Your husband can file "Married separately" or "Married jointly".  As he is married "Head of Household" and "Single" are not an options. Here is a tool to help

http://www.irs.gov/uac/What-is-My-Filing-Status%3F

Most folks in that situation would use married filing separately. Single is not allowed because he is married!

Yes for simplicity most people choose "married filing separately".

However, I wonder if your husband even needs to file a US tax return. His US SS is only taxable in the UK and if his interest income is less than $3900 (if he files married separately) he does not need to file US taxes.

nun,
I've read several threads on this topic on various sites...the issue of to file or not to file if you're below the $ levels.  Some seem to say it's a good idea to go ahead & file (even if you don't technically have to) just incase you ever come under question by the IRS...ie, it can be a pain to go back over the years to show why you didn't file.  Do you think that's a valid concern?  Thanks for your input~

nun,
I've read several threads on this topic on various sites...the issue of to file or not to file if you're below the $ levels.  Some seem to say it's a good idea to go ahead & file (even if you don't technically have to) just incase you ever come under question by the IRS...ie, it can be a pain to go back over the years to show why you didn't file.  Do you think that's a valid concern?  Thanks for your input~

I'd file taxes every year as you might get tax credits and it keeps you up to date with informational requirements like FBAR and FATCA.

I'd file taxes every year as you might get tax credits and it keeps you up to date with informational requirements like FBAR and FATCA.

Great, thanks!