Filing Status Helper
Answer a few questions to determine your optimal tax filing status. Your filing status affects your standard deduction, tax brackets, and eligibility for credits.
What was your marital status on December 31?
Your filing status is determined by your status on the last day of the tax year.
Understanding Filing Statuses
Single
Unmarried, legally separated, or divorced on December 31. No dependents or don't qualify for Head of Household.
2025 Standard Deduction: $15,000
Married Filing Jointly
Married on December 31. Combines both spouses' income. Usually results in lowest tax liability for married couples.
2025 Standard Deduction: $30,000
Married Filing Separately
Married but choose to file separate returns. May be beneficial for income-driven loan repayment or liability protection.
2025 Standard Deduction: $15,000
Head of Household
Unmarried with a qualifying person. Must pay more than half the cost of keeping up your home. Better rates than Single.
2025 Standard Deduction: $22,500
Why Your Filing Status Matters
Bigger Deductions
Married Filing Jointly gets a $30,000 standard deduction vs $15,000 for Single. Head of Household gets $22,500—50% more than Single filers.
Lower Tax Brackets
Each filing status has different bracket thresholds. MFJ stays in the 12% bracket up to $96,950 vs $48,475 for Single.
Credit Eligibility
Many tax credits like EITC and education credits have income limits that vary by filing status. The right status can mean more credits.
Official IRS References
- IRS Publication 501: Dependents, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information
Complete guide to filing status rules
- IRS Interactive Tax Assistant: What is My Filing Status?
Official IRS tool to determine filing status
- IRS Form 1040 Instructions
Filing status requirements and qualifications
This tool provides general guidance based on common situations. Your actual filing status eligibility may depend on additional factors. Consult a tax professional for personalized advice.