Category: Filing status

  • Paperwork You Can Toss After Filing Your Tax Return

    Paperwork You Can Toss After Filing Your Tax Return

    Once you file your 2022 tax return, you may wonder what personal tax papers you can throw away and how long you should retain certain records. You may have to produce those records if the IRS audits your return or seeks to assess tax. It’s a good idea to keep the actual returns indefinitely. But…

  • Who Qualifies for “Head of Household” Tax Filing Status?

    Who Qualifies for “Head of Household” Tax Filing Status?

    When you file your tax return, you must check one of the following filing statuses: Single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household or qualifying widow(er). Who qualifies to file a return as a head of household, which is more favorable than single? To qualify, you must maintain a household, which for more…

  • Reasons Why Married Couples Might Want to File Separate Tax Returns

    Reasons Why Married Couples Might Want to File Separate Tax Returns

    Married couples often wonder whether they should file joint or separate tax returns. The answer depends on your individual tax situation. It generally depends on which filing status results in the lowest tax. But keep in mind that, if you and your spouse file a joint return, each of you is “jointly and severally” liable…

  • What Is Your Taxpayer Filing Status?

    What Is Your Taxpayer Filing Status?

    For tax purposes, December 31 means more than New Year’s Eve celebrations. It affects the filing status box that will be checked on your tax return for the year. When you file your return, you do so with one of five filing statuses, which depend in part on whether you’re married or unmarried on December…