When taxpayers file their tax return, it’s important they use the right
filing status because it can affect the amount of tax they owe for the year. It
may even determine if they must file a tax return at all. Taxpayers should keep
in mind that their marital status on Dec. 31 is their status for the whole
year.
Sometimes more than one filing status may apply to taxpayers. When that
happens, taxpayers should choose the one that allows them to pay the least
amount of tax.
When filing their tax return, taxpayers have IRS
e-file as the easiest and most accurate way to file. Its tax software helps
them choose the right filing status. Most people can use tax software and
e-file for free with IRS Free File. This is a free service only available on
the IRS website. 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. If a spouse died in 2016, the
widowed spouse can often file a joint return for that year.
- Married Filing
Separately.
A married couple can choose to file two separate tax returns. This may
benefit them if it results in less tax owed than if they file a joint tax
return. Taxpayers may want to prepare their taxes both ways before they
choose. They can also use this status if each wants to be responsible only
for their own tax.
- Head of Household. In most cases, this
status applies to a taxpayer who is not married, but there are some
special rules. For example, the taxpayer must have paid more than half the
cost of keeping up a home for themselves and a qualifying person. Don’t
choose this status by mistake. Be sure to check all the rules.
- Qualifying Widow(er)
with Dependent Child. This status may apply to a taxpayer if their spouse
died during 2014 or 2015 and they have a dependent child. Other conditions
also apply.
The “Filing”
tab on IRS.gov can help with many taxpayers’ federal income tax filing needs.
The Interactive
Tax Assistant tool can help taxpayers choose the right filing status. More
on this topic is in Publication
501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction and Filing Information. On IRS.gov/forms,
people can view, download or print the tax products they need.
All taxpayers should keep a copy of their tax return. Beginning in 2017,
taxpayers using a software product for the first time may need their Adjusted
Gross Income (AGI) amount from their prior-year tax return to verify their
identity. Taxpayers can learn more about how to verify their identity and
electronically sign tax returns at Validating
Your Electronically Filed Tax Return.
Additional IRS Resources:
- IRS
Tax Map
- Instructions and Forms
1040, 1040A
and 1040EZ
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