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Choosing your filing status is typically one of the first—if not the first—questions on your tax return. Seems simple enough at first glance: You’ve got single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, and then—wait.

Why are there two options for married couples? And what’s up with this “head of household” status? Can’t you be the head of your household and be married?

It doesn’t hurt to review what each status means, especially because it could mean the difference between an okay refund and a big refund.

What was your status for the previous year?

Remember as we go through these filing statuses that the status you choose for your tax return is for the previous year. For example, if you got married in January of 2019, you would still file as single because you weren’t married in 2018.

Single

“Single” here would actually be better defined as “unmarried.” You can be in a relationship, and even live with your significant other, and still file as single. That’s because taxes are determined by the financial situations that follow from being either married or unmarried in a legal sense.

The single filing status has the smallest tax breaks because you’re only responsible to provide care for yourself. If you claim dependents, though, you may be able to file as head of household.

Head of household

Since unmarried filers with dependents have more financial responsibilities than single filers with no dependents, the IRS created the head of household status. Filing as head of household usually results in lower taxes by way of a higher standard deduction, more credits and deductions, and higher tax breaks.

We’ve got some qualifications to look at, though. You can only file as head of household if:

  • You are single or unmarried.
  • You paid more than half the cost of keeping up a home.
  • You had a qualifying child who lived with you in the home for more than half the year or a qualifying relative for whom you’ve provided at least half the year’s living expenses.

Bigger tax savings? Yes, please.

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Married Filing Jointly

Now we’re moving into the married filing statuses. So why are there two of them, again?

Well, as a legally married couple, you can either file your taxes together on one tax return or file on two separate returns. If you file on one, you’ll select married filing jointly and get a bigger standard deduction.

Filing jointly usually saves you taxes over filing separately, and you both can be held responsible for tax, interest and penalties due on your return.

Married Filing Separately

If you are married but you don’t want to file on one return with your spouse, you can file as married filing separately. You’ll only report your own income, credits, and deductions, which also means that your standard deduction goes back to the single amount.

You won’t qualify for the same tax breaks as married filing jointly taxpayers do, so separate returns usually result in a higher combined tax. There are cases, however, where filing separately can provide a net tax savings; if there’s a large discrepancy between each spouse’s income, for example, it may be more beneficial to file separately.

Widow or Widower

If your spouse passed away during the tax year, you can file a joint return and report both yours and your spouse’s financial information. Then, for the two years following, you may be able to file as a qualifying widow or widower.

This status is a tax break in its own way, because it gives the widow or widower the same tax advantages as the married filing jointly status. In order to qualify, though, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You did not remarry.
  • You qualified to file married filing jointly with your spouse in the year your spouse died.
  • You pay more than 50% of the expenses of maintaining the household.
  • Your home is the principal home for a qualifying child.
  • You can claim a qualifying child as a dependent.

Whatever you file as, file with 1040.com

Now that you’ve got a grip on the very first question, you’re home free to file your taxes with 1040.com! We keep it straightforward and easy to understand, including explanations of the different statuses right next to the question itself. That’s just one example of how we’ve made filing your taxes easier than ever—so why wait? Sign up and get your taxes done today!

File Taxes Online - E-File Federal and State Returns | 1040.com (2024)

FAQs

Is 1040 com a legitimate website? ›

We've been in taxes a long time.

Over the past 40 years, our team has worked to build a tax filing software company that tax professionals rave about. With 1040.com, we're making that service available to anyone who wants to file their taxes online.

Can I fill out 1040 online? ›

Yes, you can file an original Form 1040 series tax return electronically using any filing status. Filing your return electronically is faster, safer, and more accurate than mailing your tax return because it's transmitted electronically to the IRS computer systems.

Why can't I electronically file my taxes? ›

Usually this involves returning to the page with errors and fixing them. However, some issues can't be corrected. Ex: If you have a form not available for e-filing, or you, your spouse, or dependent has an invalid Social Security number (SSN), you can't e-file your return.

Is eFile com authorized by IRS? ›

eFile.com is an IRS authorized e-file provider. The eFile.com tax software not only makes it easy to prepare and e-file federal and state income taxes, but also provides fast, tax professional-based tax help.

Is eFile com safe and legit? ›

Yes, eFile.com is a safe and reliable website for preparing individual income tax returns that's authorized by the IRS.

What is 1040 com? ›

1040.com charges a flat $25 income tax filing fee, and that includes both federal and state tax filing. You can create an account, log in and even preview your completed tax return for free. You would need to pay before your return is actually submitted.

Can I file my taxes with a 1040 form? ›

Form 1040 is used by U.S. taxpayers to file an annual income tax return.

Why is Efile rejected? ›

If your tax return was rejected, it could be due to a number of reasons – such as missing information. However, there could be another issue, like a name or number that doesn't match up with the data the IRS already has on file.

Why does the IRS prefer you file electronically? ›

E-filing is fast, easy and secure. Tax software guides you through the process. If you owe taxes, you can schedule an automatic payment from your bank account. If you e-file and choose direct deposit, you'll get your refund faster.

Which forms Cannot be electronically filed? ›

In addition, some Forms 1040, 1040-A, 1040-EZ, and 1041 cannot be e-filed if they have attached forms, schedules, or documents that IRS does not accept electronically.

Is efile com really free? ›

E-file.com offers a free federal e-filing program for both single and joint filers who qualify to file with our basic software. We also provide software for more complicated federal tax returns, this costs between $27.99 and $49.99.

Who qualifies for IRS free file? ›

Taxpayers, including active-duty military, with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $79,000 or less in 2023 can likely find an offer from an IRS Free File provider that matches their needs. Some providers also offer free state tax return preparation.

Are there fake IRS websites? ›

Phony Web or Commercial Sites

In addition to Web sites established by scammers, there are commercial Internet sites that often resemble the authentic IRS site or contain some form of the IRS name in the address but end with a .com, . net, . org or other designation instead of . gov.

What is pay 1040 com? ›

Pay1040™ is

Experience the convenience of electronic tax. payments with Pay1040's low fees. Pay Personal Taxes. Pay Business Taxes. The filing deadline for tax forms, payments.

Is 1040 good for taxes? ›

Millions of U.S. taxpayers file a 1040 tax form each year. It's the most commonly used tax form to report income, claim certain credits, and identify how much tax you owe (or will get refunded.) You owe any special taxes, including: Tips you didn't report to your employer.

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