If you and your spouse live apart for over a year, can you file your taxes as single?

Question

If you and your spouse live apart for over a year, can you file your taxes as single? My spouse and I have lived in different states for the past 2 years. Can we each use the "SINGLE" option when filing our taxes, or do we have to use one of the "MARRIED" options?

Answer 1

Only if you were legally separated before 12-31-2006, and then only in some states.

Answer 2

If you and your spouse are married, the only way that you and/or your spouse could file single is if you are going through a divorce that's not yet final but you are "legally separated" according to your state's law.

The majority of the time, you'll pay less tax filing married filing joint (MFJ). However remember that when you do file MFJ, your are both responsible for all the tax on the return.

See the IRS link below for details on filing married filing joint versus separate.

Answer 3

I was separated from my spouse for 2 years before the divorce (not a legal separation). He was in Florida, I was in Georgia, and I filed single. There was not a problem.

Answer 4

No, your options are married filing a joint return, or married filing separately. Single isn't allowed.

If you have a dependent child living with you and have paid more than half of the expenses of providing a home for that child, you can file as head of household.

Answer 5

If you have LEGALLY separated as of Dec. 31, not just living apart, you can file single. If you have not gone through legal separation, you must still file married, either jointly or separately.

Answer 6

right this moment Canada does not have joint tax returns combining kinfolk income. In effect the two married companions report as singles. One companion is authorized to declare the different if that companion has limited income. the greater the companion earns the smaller the declare until eventually it disappears. Marital status comes into play while claiming specific deductions. as an occasion the Ontario Tax credit, which contains belongings might desire to be claimed by ability of the companion with the better income. baby care is commonly basically obtainable for the ladies individuals. little ones can basically be claimed by ability of one companion no longer the two if a dispute happens the mum gets it. marital income of the two events is extra to ensure the GST credit. In circumstances the place the two spouses are taxable by ability of themselves they pays tax as singles there's no blended fee for married couples. The exception happens for the deductions i discussed above. In theamples suggested by ability of different respondants the refunds have been cancelled and bigger tax assessed probable by using fact the two spouses have been claiming deductions or credit that they did no longer qualify for

Answer 7

You can file separate tax return, but you are still married.
It possible if both file as single, but my not be legal, but the chance of being caught is slim.

Answer 8

If you are still "married" (not divorced, annulled, or disillusioned) you have to file married.

Psst. don't tell the IRS but I filed single for 3 years before I divorced my wife who I couldn't find.

Answer 9

do you mean like separatly instead of filing for joint, etc. If thats what you mean then yes. I dont really see the difference I know my parents who are married file them separate most of the time so you probibly can.

Answer 10

all i no is that if u filed married last year you have to file married this year as well