Single. As a single person, you are not legally bound to anyone—unless you have a dependent. You can be considered as single if you have never been married, were married but then divorced, or have lost your spouse. It is possible to be single at multiple times in your life.

Is it better to be single or divorced for taxes?

Divorced or separated taxpayers who qualify should file as a head of household instead of single because this status has several advantages: theres a lower effective tax rate than the one used for those who file as single. the standard deduction is higher than for single individuals.

Should I put divorced or single on my tax return?

There are rules about being unmarried. If youre legally divorced by the last day of the year, the IRS considers you unmarried for the whole year. If your marriage is annulled, the IRS also considers you unmarried even if you filed jointly in previous years.

What is my filing status if I am divorced?

Filing status Its the year when your divorce decree becomes final that you lose the option to file as married joint or married separate. In other words, your marital status as of December 31 of each year controls your filing status for that entire year.