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OLT TAX CORNER ~ Filing Status
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What is a filing status and which filing status to choose? |
A taxpayer's filing status determines the rate at which his or her income is taxed. There are five filing statuses: |
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Your status at the end of the tax year normally determines which filing status to use. If you are eligible to use more than one filing status, then you can choose the filing status with the lowest tax rates. |
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If I change my last name due to getting married or divorced, which last name should I use when filing my tax return? |
You will need to file your tax return using the name that appears on your Social Security Card. The IRS checks your SSN against the first 4 letters of your last name and they have to match the IRS database. |
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Is there a limit to the number of years you can choose the filing status Qualifying Widower? |
Yes. The year of death is the last year for which you can file jointly with your deceased spouse. You may be eligible to use qualifying widow(er) with dependent child as your filing status for two years following the year your spouse died if you are eligible. The eligibility rules are as follows: |
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You may also be eligible to file as a qualifying widow(er) with dependent child, even if the child who qualifies you for this filing status has been kidnapped. You can claim qualifying widow(er) with dependent child filing status if all the following statements are true: |
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I am a single mother and my child lived with me during the tax year. Can I file with filing status head of household? |
Yes, you can file as head of household if you meet the following qualifications: |
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It will benefit you to file as head of household, because the standard deduction is greater. You do not necessarily have to claim what you've claimed on your paycheck. What you claim on your paycheck affects the amount of taxes withheld from each check. |
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I just got married in June, so I need to know how to file as a married couple, and if I enter my maiden name or my married name? |
When you file, if you choose to file together, you will choose the filing status married filing jointly. This will combine the income that both of you make into one return. As far as your name, if you have changed your name on your Social Security card, then enter your married name. If you have not yet changed your name legally, then you should enter your maiden name. Either way, you should enter your name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card. |
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Is it possible to change my filing status after I've already filed my return? |
Yes, you can amend your return by filing Form 1040X if you have reported your filing status incorrectly. This is generally simple, however there are a few requirements if you are married, and your original filing status is married filing jointly or married filing separate. |
You can change your filing status by filing an amended return using Form 1040X. |
If you or your spouse (or both of you) file a separate return, you generally can change to a joint return any time within 3 years from the due date of the separate return or returns. This does not include any extensions. A separate return includes a return filed by you or your spouse claiming married filing separately, single, or head of household filing status. |
Once you file a joint return, you cannot choose to file separate returns for that year after the due date of the return. |
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