How do I determine my filing status?

Your filing status is important when it comes to determining how much tax you owe on your income. Generally speaking, in Washington, your filing status is determined by your marital status as of December 31 of the tax year. If you are married, you can choose to either file jointly or separately. If you are single, you are considered unmarried, and you must file as such. You must also consider your dependents when determining your filing status. If you depend on someone else financially, you are considered a dependent, and you must file as such. This is especially important for students, as this may affect the amount of eligible deductions you can claim on your taxes. If you are the head of household, you must meet certain criteria. To qualify, you must have paid more than half of your household expenses throughout the year, have a qualifying person living with you, and be unmarried or considered unmarried (by living apart from your spouse for the last six months of the year). It is important to make sure you properly determine your filing status in order to get the most out of your taxes. Your filing status can affect the amount of deductions and credits you are eligible for, as well as your tax rate for the year. If you are unsure about your filing status, it is a good idea to contact a tax professional for assistance.

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How do I determine my filing status?

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