How Do I Choose the Right Tax Filing Status?

Written by Yanna | Feb 6, 2026 7:54:34 PM

Taxes – the never-ending saga of adulting that most of us dread. As mentioned in a previous tax article, it's not the most exciting task to tackle. But alas, it's a necessary one.

If you're here, it's likely because you're trying to figure out how to choose a tax filing status, a decision that can significantly impact how much you owe in taxes, what credits you qualify for, and whether you receive a refund.

Whether you're single or married, your marital status on the last day of the tax year typically determines your tax filing status for the entire year.

Let’s take a fresh look at the different tax filing statuses, how they work, and when professional help may make sense.

how do i know my filing status?

There are five different statuses you can file – “Single,” “Head of Household,” “Qualifying Widow(er),” “Married Filing Jointly,” or “Married Filing Separately". Each tax filing status has its own qualifications, benefits, and limitations. Choosing the correct one matters.

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what IF I GOT MARRIED IN 2025?

If you just got married on or before December 31, 2025… congrats! There are a few things you should check off the list to ensure your paperwork and taxes are filed correctly.

Notify the IRS of any address changes. You can notify them by using Form 8822.

Tell your employer if you moved. This is important to make sure your W-2 is correct and is sent to the right address.

Report any name changes. If you took your spouse’s last name, there are a few more hoops to jump through. Since your Social Security number needs to match the name on your tax forms, make sure you tell the Social Security Administration as soon as your name changes by using the Form SS-5. The IRS will hold your tax refund until you resolve this issue.

[faq2]

do i get professional help?

I’m glad you asked! There are obviously a lot of resources available and organizations that provide tax help, but generally, there are two standard routes to take:

[faq3]

do you know your filing status now?

Now that you know the different filing statuses, do you know which one fits your situation? The IRS has tools and systems to catch many common filing errors. If you do make a mistake, you can usually correct it by filing an amended return using Form 1040-X. Learn more about this form here>.

Want to know more about filing your 2025 taxes? Here's what you need to know

still unsure?

If you’re still having trouble trying to determine how you should file, check out this IRS interactive tool on how you should file (Psst... it should take about 5 minutes.)

Taxes can be confusing, that's why there are professionals who are willing and able to help. Contact a tax professional if you have any doubts or questions about your taxes.

And, if you're looking for a sweet Tax Software discount, check out Skyla's partnership with TurboTax and H&R Block!

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