Choosing the Best Tax Filing Status for Your Situation
Understand your filing status options and choose the one that saves you the most money.
Five Filing Status Options
1. Single
Who qualifies: Unmarried individuals. 2026 Standard Deduction: $14,600. Use this status if you're not married as of December 31.
2. Married Filing Jointly (MFJ)
Who qualifies: Married couples filing together. 2026 Standard Deduction: $29,200. Usually the best option for married couples, offering the lowest tax rate.
3. Married Filing Separately (MFS)
Who qualifies: Married couples filing separately. 2026 Standard Deduction: $14,600 each. Rarely beneficial unless couples have significant separate income or plan to separate.
4. Head of Household (HOH)
Who qualifies: Unmarried individuals who pay more than half the household costs for dependent family members. 2026 Standard Deduction: $21,900. Offers better tax rates than single.
5. Qualifying Widow(er)
Who qualifies: Surviving spouse with dependent children within 2 years of spouse's death. 2026 Standard Deduction: $29,200. Same benefits as MFJ for limited years.
Tax Bracket Comparison (2026)
| Tax Rate | Single | MFJ | HOH |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 - $11,000 | $0 - $22,000 | $0 - $15,700 |
| 12% | $11,000 - $44,725 | $22,000 - $89,075 | $15,700 - $59,850 |
| 22% | $44,725 - $95,375 | $89,075 - $190,750 | $59,850 - $95,350 |
Special Situations
Higher Income Spouse
Married couples with one high earner typically save more with MFJ because of progressive tax brackets and access to certain deductions.
Significant Income Differences
MFS might help if the lower-earning spouse qualifies for educational credits or deductions that would be lost when filing jointly.
Dependent Children
HOH status if unmarried with qualifying dependents provides access to better tax brackets and potentially more credits than single status.
Don't Overlook These Credits
- Child Tax Credit: Up to $2,000 per child (most filers qualify)
- Earned Income Credit (EITC): Up to $3,733 for qualifying low-income workers
- Child and Dependent Care Credit: Helps cover childcare expenses
- Education Credits: American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning credits for student loan interest
Calculate Your Best Filing Status
Uncertain which status is best? Use our income tax calculator to compare scenarios, or consult a tax professional for personalized advice.
Calculate Your Taxes