When you file your tax return, you must know your filing status. You should also be aware that your filing status could change during the year. So, anytime is a good a time to learn about the different filing statuses and which one is best for you.
Knowing the correct filing status can help you determine several things about filing your tax return:
- Are you required to file a federal tax return or should you file to receive a refund?
- What is your standard deduction amount?
- Are you eligible for certain credits?
- How much tax should you pay?
Your filing status generally depends on whether you are single or married on Dec. 31, and that is considered to be your status for the whole year.
Here’s a list of filing statuses and a description of who is eligible to claim them:
- Single. Normally this status is for taxpayers who are unmarried, divorced or legally separated under a divorce or separate maintenance decree governed by state law.
- Married filing jointly. A taxpayer who is married can file a joint tax return with their spouse. When a spouse passes away, the widowed spouse can usually file a joint return for that year.
- Married filing separately. Alternatively, married couples can choose to file separate tax returns. Filing separately may result in less tax owed than filing a joint tax return.
- Head of household. Unmarried taxpayers may be able to file using this status, but special rules apply. For example, the taxpayer must have paid more than half the cost of keeping up a home for themselves and a qualifying person who also lived in the home for half the year. Taxpayers should check the rules carefully to make sure they qualify.
- Qualifying widow(er) with dependent child. This status may apply to a taxpayer whose spouse died during one of the previous two years and who has a dependent child. Other conditions also apply.
Remember, more than one filing status may apply and taxpayers can generally choose the filing status that allows them to pay the least amount of tax. If you are unsure about your filing status, seek the advice of a qualified tax preparer, including IRS-Certified VITA volunteers.
More Information:
Filing
Interactive Tax Assistant
Publication 501, Standard Deduction and Filing Information