Tax Return Filing Status

Below is a flowchart that helps taxpayers determine what tax return filing status he or she should use when filing his or her tax return. There are only five types of filing status a taxpayer could file as. They are single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household, and qualified widow(er) with dependent child. A taxpayer must use the correct tax return filing status to file his or her tax return.

Is the taxpayer.....

     YES

 NO

   YES

 NO

   YES

Usually if a taxpayer qualifies for filing as a head of household or a qualified widow or widower, he or she will not file taxes as a single taxpayer. The tax deductions and tax credits a taxpayer qualifies as a head of household or widow(er) far exceeds the benefits he or she will get when filing as a single tax payer.