You can only check ONE filing status.  Let me make that clear.  You can ONLY check ONE filing status.  We understand that there are seven to choose from, but you can only choose one.  When e-filing with eSmart Tax, we prevent this error from occurring.  Still, it’s useful to know what your filing status is.  Choose the filing status that best fits your IRS-defined situation:

  1. Marital Status.  Your marital status on the last day of the year is your marital status for the entire year.
  2. If You Have a Choice.  If more than one filing status fits you, choose the one that allows you to pay the lowest taxes.
  3. Single Filing Status.  Single filing status generally applies if you are not married, divorced or legally separated according to state law.
  4. Married Filing Jointly.  A married couple may file a return together using the Married Filing Jointly status. If your spouse died during 2012, you usually may still file a joint return for that year.
  5. Married Filing Separately.  If a married couple decides to file their returns separately, each person’s filing status would generally be Married Filing Separately.
  6. Head of Household.  The Head of Household status generally applies if you are not married and have paid more than half the cost of maintaining a home for yourself and a qualifying person.
  7. Qualifying Widow(er) with Dependent Child.  This status may apply if your spouse died during 2010 or 2011, you have a dependent child and you meet certain other conditions.