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Unmarried people without dependents must file under the Single status. Everyone else will have a choice as to the status they file under.
Here is a quick run down of the filing statuses and the upside and downside of each:
Head of Household
If you are unmarried and have a dependent who lives with you for whom you provide more than half of that dependent's support, you can file as Head of Household.
Upside - your income is taxed at a lower rate than it would be taxed under the Single status.
Downside - the IRS may challenge your head of household status on the grounds that you don't have a true dependent or that someone else living in your household provided more than one half of the dependent's support.
Married Filing Jointly
If you are married on the last day of a tax year you can file your tax return using the Married Filing Jointly status.
Upside - combined taxable income will be taxed at a lower rate than the aggregate of the spouses' separate taxable incomes would be taxed were the returns filed under the Married Filing Separate status.
Downside - each spouse is jointly and severally liable for the taxes due on a jointly filed return without regard to which spouse earned more money or paid more taxes during the tax year.
Married Filing Separately
Married people who do not wish to file a joint tax return must file under the Married Filing Separate status. This requirement is what gives rise to the so-called "marriage penalty."
The tax rates under this filing status are higher than the tax rates under any of the other filing statuses, including Head of Household and Single.
Upside - the taxpayer is not jointly and severally liable for the unpaid taxes of his or her spouse. If you have paid all of your taxes and your spouse has not, you might want to consider filing separately.
Downside - the tax rates for married filing separate are the highest of all of the statuses.
Practice pointer: If you are hired to represent a married taxpayer who hasn't file his tax returns in several years and his wife has not worked (or has worked and has paid the taxes on her income), you should consider having the spouses file separate returns to avoid adversely affecting both spouses should a lien, levy or other IRS enforced collection action ensue.
Qualifying Widow(er) with Dependent Child
If your spouse died you have a qualifying child, and meet certain other conditions, you may be able to choose this filing status.
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If your spouse is in prison what should your filing status be when filing taxes?
My mom has a w2 for spouse how is in prision how can she file tn taxes she has always filed joint
Do you have to file taxes if you were unemployed?
It depends on your filing status and how much income your total was.
Should i file taxes after discharge?
Yes. Bankruptcy does not change you absolute legal obligation to file taxes.
Do you have to be married six months to file your taxes married jointly?
No. You can file based on your marital status as of December 31st of the tax year.
How many years do you have to file your income taxes if you are getting a refund?
It doesn't matter if you receive an income tax refund or not. The fact is is you worked and had federal and state taxes taken out you would need to file your taxes every year. However, much depends on your filing status (single, married, etc) and how much you made that year on whether you would file. To be on the safe side if you had federal and state taken out of your checks you should file.
If you made only 3400 do you have to file a federal tax return?
For 2009, generally if you made only $3,400 in wages/salaries, then you wouldn't be required to file no matter what your filing status. However, you still can file even when you're not required to file. If income taxes were withheld, you should file to receive a refund of all those taxes. Also, if you're eligible for certain credits (such as earned income or making work pay, etc.), you should file even if you're not required.
Do illegal aliens have to pay back taxes when getting ready to file for status change?
Individuals seeking a change in immigration status are typically required to meet all tax obligations for the period they have lived and worked in the United States, which may include paying back taxes if they were not previously filed. Nonpayment of taxes could potentially impact the outcome of their application for a change in status. It is advisable for individuals to consult with an immigration attorney or tax professional to ensure compliance with tax obligations.
Is you make 2000 dollars do you have to file income taxes?
$600 is the line for filing taxes. So yes, if you made $2000 you should file.
How much for an accountant to file my taxes?
Paying an accountant to file your taxes can vary on cost. On average you should expect to pay around $100 to $200 depending on how complex your taxes are. If you have simple taxes it may be easier to file yourself using tax software.
Where can I get advice on file for extension on taxes?
Call CRA. There should be a toll free number on their site. They will be able to tell you whether or not you have grounds to file for an extension on your taxes.
Do you have to file taxes if you are a student?
If you are 21 you have to file taxes
Have no money how do I file my taxes?
have no money how can i file my taxes
