QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026
What are the five individual tax filing statuses? - ANSWERS1. Single
2. Married filing jointly
3. Married filing separately
4. Head of household
5. Qualified widow or widower
What's the significance of a tax filing status? - ANSWERSThe taxpayer's tax filing status
can significantly effect their tax bill and which tax forms they will need to fill out.
Who might use the "single" tax filing status? - ANSWERSUnmarried people who do not
qualify for another filing status
Who might use the "Married filing jointly" filing status? - ANSWERSMost married couple
What does cost of keeping up the house mean? - ANSWERSThe cost of keeping up a
home includes paying property taxes, mortgage interest or rent, utilities, repairs and
maintenance, property insurance, food, and other household expenses
Who is a qualifying person for tax purposes? - ANSWERSA child under 19 years of age;
an adult under 24 years of age who is a student living at home for more than half the
year; A parent who receives at least half their support from the taxpayer; and siblings
and in-laws if the taxpayer provides at least half their support for the year.
How does using "Head of household" tax filing status benefit the taxpayer? -
ANSWERSThis filing status allows the taxpayer to access significant tax deductions and
more favorable tax brackets than if they filed as single.
Who might use the "Married filing separately" status? - ANSWERSMarried high earners,
people who think their spouses may be hiding income, or people whose spouses have
tax liability
Who might use "Head of household" status? - ANSWERSUnmarried people paying at
least half the cost of housing and support for others
Who might use "Qualified widow or widower" filing status? - ANSWERSPeople who lost
a spouse and are supporting a child at home
Who is considered "unmarried" for head of household filing status? - ANSWERS-
People who are not legally married