Tax Time question about marriage...?

Question

Me and my boyfriend are currently not married.
If we were to get married could we file sepratly on our taxes next year or does it have to be as married?

Also, does filing married-sepratly..is that almost like filing single?

Answer 1

If you get married at any time during 2007, you will be considered married for the entire tax year. When you file your taxes next year, you would have two options:
-married, filing jointly or
-married, filing separately

You will not be able to file as single or head of household if you are married.

Answer 2

If you are married as of the last day of the year, you file as married for that year - either a joint return, or married filing separately. A joint return is almost always a better deal for you, with less total taxes between you.

Tax rates up to a taxable income of $61,500 are the same for married filing separately and single, but if you're married filing separately, there are a number of tax credits that you aren't allowed to take, so if you're eligible for any of those, your filing status would make a difference in your taxes.

Answer 3

You can always file MFS if you are married, but it is usually more benificial to file MFJ. You lose a lot of tax credits filing separately. Is there any reason you would not want to file together? Many tax preparers can tell you which filing status is more benificial for you, but 99% of the time MFJ has greater tax benefits.

Answer 4

You will have only two choices if you get married:
Married filing jointly
Married filing seperately

If you file jointly, you will not be allowed some deductions. Filing seperately is usually better for couples who may owe back taxes, or child support, or things like that.