If you’re legally married as of December 31 of the tax year, the IRS considers you to be married for the full year. Usually, your only options are to file as either married filing jointly or married filing separately. Using the married filing separately status rarely works to lower a couple’s tax bill.

Is it better to file married jointly or head of household?

Some tax credits and deductions have income limits. These limits are structured much like the standard deduction. Head of household filers can earn more than single filers, and married taxpayers who file jointly can more or less double the amounts that single filers are entitled to claim.

When do you find out your marital status on your taxes?

Determining Marital Status The pivotal day for determining your filing status is Dec. 31. All statuses depend on whether you’re considered married or single on that particular date. You’re considered married for tax purposes if you’re legally married on the last day of the year and you’re living with your spouse.

Can a person who is not married file a joint tax return?

Normally this status is for taxpayers who aren’t married, or who are divorced or legally separated under state law. Married Filing Jointly. If taxpayers are married, they can file a joint tax return. If a spouse died in 2016, the widowed spouse can often file a joint return for that year. Married Filing Separately.

What happens to your tax filing status if your spouse dies?

If you are still unmarried after those two years, your filing status changes to single or head of household. Note for Surviving Spouses: In the year that your spouse dies, you can file Married Filing Jointly or Married Filing Separately. For the next two years, you may file as Qualifying Widow.

What are the filing statuses for the IRS?

Visit IRS.gov and click “ Free File ” on the home page. Here’s a list of the five filing statuses: Single. Normally this status is for taxpayers who aren’t married, or who are divorced or legally separated under state law. Married Filing Jointly. If taxpayers are married, they can file a joint tax return.