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The Hows of Taxes

Module 5: Filing Status

 

Photo of a husband and wife working at a computer
A taxpayer's filing status determines the rate at which his or her income is taxed. There are five filing statuses:
  • single
  • married filing a joint return
  • married filing a separate return
  • head of household
  • qualifying widow(er) with dependent child
Taxpayers who are eligible to use more than one filing status usually choose the filing status with the lowest tax rates.

materials:

Tax Tutorial
Tax Tutorial: Filing Status Discover the five filing statuses, and learn how they affect the tax rates.
Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet: Filing Status Print this fact sheet on filing statuses.
Simulation
Simulation: Identifying Filing Status and Dependents Answer a series of questions about Joshua Bell. Then, see how your responses are reported in the filing status and exemption section of the tax return for Joshua Bell.
Assessment
Assessment: Filing StatusReview your understanding of filing statuses
skill check:
Check your understanding of the five filing statuses and how they affect taxable income. Indicate whether each of the statements below is true or false by clicking on the correct answer. To assess your answers, click the Check My Answers button at the bottom of the page.
  1. The filing status determines the number of dependents.
  • A.
  • B.
  1. A taxpayer can be eligible for more than one filing status.
  • A.
  • B.
  1. Married taxpayers must use the married filing a joint return filing status.
  • A.
  • B.
  1. A widower can claim the qualifying widow(er) with dependent child filing status for five years after the spouse's death.
  • A.
  • B.


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