How to File Taxes if Married Filing Jointly

File your taxes under the best filing status to save money. Your income tax rate and standard deduction are determined by your filing status.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• IRS Forms
• Financial Calculator
• Computers
• Tax Preparation Software

1. Determine that you were legally married as of December 31 of the tax year. If your spouse died during the tax year, you can file under the married filing jointly status unless you remarried and divorced during the tax year.
2. Determine that you were not legally separated during the tax year under a separate maintenance decree issued by a court.
3. Determine that your spouse is filing jointly with you.
4. Check the box for "married filing jointly" on line 2 of the 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ.

Tips & Warnings

• Married filing jointly is the best filing status if only one spouse has significant income.
• In rare circumstances, a lower overall tax burden can occur if both spouses file separately. Consider filing separately if both spouses work, but income and itemized deductions are large and very unequal.
• If a couple is separated in fact, but not by legal decree, check out the head-of-household filing status. This status might be better for you if your spouse didn't live with you during the last six months of the year and you have a child.
• Determine your tax liability if you file jointly and if you file separately, to see if the latter might save you money.
• If you begin a common-law marriage in a state that recognizes it as a legal marriage, the marriage is valid in any state you live in.
• You and your spouse are jointly responsible for the return and the taxes if you file jointly. If your spouse understates the tax due, you are equally liable for penalties unless you didn't know anything about it and did not benefit. Be careful.
• Taxes can be technical and tricky. If something is persistently confusing, talk to an experienced tax preparer.