The Filing Status on a Form 1040 tax return determines the tax rates, standard deductions, and eligibility for tax credits. Here’s a breakdown of the five filing statuses, along with when you can use each:
1. Single
✅ Who Can Use It?
- Unmarried, divorced, or legally separated as of December 31 of the tax year.
- You do not qualify for any other status, like Head of Household.
📝 Key Notes:
- Standard deduction for 2023: $13,850
- Less favorable tax brackets compared to Married Filing Jointly.
2. Married Filing Jointly (MFJ)
✅ Who Can Use It?
- Legally married on December 31 (even if you got married on December 31, you’re considered married for the whole year).
- If one spouse passed away during the tax year, the surviving spouse can still file jointly for that year.
📝 Key Notes:
- Standard deduction for 2023: $27,700 (double that of Single)
- Usually results in lower tax rates and more tax credits.
- Both spouses are jointly liable for any tax owed.
3. Married Filing Separately (MFS)
✅ Who Can Use It?
- Married but want to file separately from your spouse.
- You want to keep liability separate (useful if one spouse has tax issues or legal concerns).
- You and your spouse are separated but not divorced.
📝 Key Notes:
- Standard deduction for 2023: $13,850 (same as Single)
- Can result in higher taxes and loss of some credits (e.g., Earned Income Credit).
- Both spouses must either both itemize or both take the standard deduction—you cannot mix.
4. Head of Household (HOH)
✅ Who Can Use It?
- Unmarried (or considered unmarried under tax law) on December 31.
- Paid more than 50% of the costs to maintain a qualifying home for a dependent (e.g., child, parent).
- The dependent must have lived with you for at least half the year, except for parents (they don’t have to live with you).
📝 Key Notes:
- Standard deduction for 2023: $20,800 (higher than Single)
- More favorable tax brackets than Single.
- Great for single parents or those supporting dependents.
5. Qualifying Surviving Spouse (Widow(er))
✅ Who Can Use It?
- Your spouse passed away in the last two years.
- You have a dependent child who lived with you all year.
- You did not remarry.
📝 Key Notes:
- Standard deduction for 2023: $27,700 (same as MFJ).
- Allows you to continue using Married Filing Jointly tax rates for up to two years after your spouse’s death.
- After two years, if you’re still unmarried, you must switch to Head of Household or Single.
Key Takeaways:
| Filing Status | Best for | Standard Deduction (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Single | Unmarried taxpayers | $13,850 |
| Married Filing Jointly | Married couples filing together | $27,700 |
| Married Filing Separately | Married but filing separately | $13,850 |
| Head of Household | Single with dependents | $20,800 |
| Qualifying Surviving Spouse | Widowed with a dependent child | $27,700 |