How to File Taxes if I Am Married But Not Divorced
When you are married, there are two ways to file your taxes. The first is to file jointly while the other is married filing separately. Using the second option is essentially the same as filing independently, but you do not receive all the tax benefits of filing together. If you are legally separated but not divorced, you can file as either single or head of household. When filing independently, both you and your spouse cannot claim the same dependents because the government will not allow deductions for the same child twice.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Obtain form 1040 from either the IRS website or a local government building such as a library or post office.
-
2
Fill out your name, Social Security information and address. If you are filing as married, write your spouse's full name and Social Security number. If you are legally separated, do not include your spouse's name or information.
-
-
3
Check your filing status as either "Married filing jointly" (option 2) or "Married filing separately" (option 3). If filing separately, write your spouse's name next to option 3 in the space provided. If you are legally separated, you may file as either "Single" or "Head of household." Filing as single means you live by yourself or with your children. Head of household means you have individuals living with you that you can claim as dependents that aren't your children, such as parents or children that are not yours.
-
4
Verify that your spouse is filing the same way if you are filing separately. If one files jointly and the other separately, you will likely receive a statement from the IRS telling both of you to fix the issue. This is also true if you are legally separated. You do not want your legally separated spouse to file jointly and receive those tax deductions while you are filing as single.
-
5
Complete the remainder of the tax form as you normally would.
-
1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
