If your divorce was final before the end of the tax year, you cannot file a joint return. The filing status of single applies to filers who are unmarred, divorced or legally separated, while the status of married applies to those taxpayers who are considered married at the end of the tax year.

Why is January considered to be divorce month?

January is often reserved for kicking bad habits and beginning work on New Year’s resolutions. But some parts of the internet — especially news articles from the last few years and even some law groups — have cast a dark cloud on the month, suggesting it is a popular time for couples to divorce.

What was the number of divorces in 2018?

The number of divorces also declined in those same years, dropping to 2.9 per 1,000 in 2018 compared with 4.0 per 1,000 in 2000. Asked if there are any financial or tax benefits to filing for divorce in January, Ms. Myres said it all depends on your state’s divorce laws and the facts of the case.

When do you have to file your divorce if you are still married?

Under IRS rules, you’re technically still married if your divorce is not yet final as of Dec. 31, even if you or your spouse filed for divorce during the year. Likewise, if the court issued your divorce decree on Dec. 31, you’re considered unmarried for the whole year and you must file your taxes as a single person.

When is the filing status for taxpayers included in a divorce decree?

There are instances when the filing status for taxpayers is included in the divorce decree. For example, some judges dictate in their rulings that divorced taxpayers must alternate between head of household and single so that they can each claim the children on alternate years.

When do you get divorced do you file single or married?

Significance of Filing Jointly. The filing status of single applies to filers who are unmarred, divorced or legally separated, while the status of married applies to those taxpayers who are considered married at the end of the tax year. Married filers have the choice between filing separately or jointly.

Can you file a joint tax return after a divorce?

Once you understand this, you can determine which filing status best fits your particular circumstance. If your divorce was final before the end of the tax year, you cannot file a joint return.