Married Filing Separately

Married Filing Separately is a tax filing option for someone who is married and wants to file separate from their spouse. The reason for filing a separate tax return for someone in a marriage is usually because the taxes are less than if a joint filing tax return was done. When choosing the married filing separately option, the 1040A or1040 tax form can be used. 


You must enter your spouse's complete name as well as their SSN or ITIN on the form unless your spouse is not required a SSN or ITIN. To calculate your tax under the married filing separately option, use the married filing separately column in the Tax Table also known as Section C of the Tax Computation Worksheet to estimate your tax return. 


When filing a separate tax return, you want to report your personal income, any tax deductions and credits on your personal return. You cannot claim your spouse as a dependent unless they did not earn any income and no one else has claimed them as a dependent.

Filing Taxes Separately

Filing Taxes Separately - Married Filing Separately

Filing your taxes separately from your spouse is named "Married Filing Separately" by the IRS. Generally, it is better to file taxes jointly with your spouse because you pay more combined tax if filing individually. Married couples filing jointly usually pay lower combined taxes.

Reasons for filing separately from your spouse could be related to medical expenses, privacy, personal casualty losses or other factors. You should consult with an tax professional regarding your tax return options.

When filing taxes separately, you can use either the 1040 Tax Form or 1040A Tax Form.

Married Filing Separately - Tax Forms

Married Filing Separately - Tax Forms 1040 & 1040A

When filing a tax return under the Married Filing Separately status, you can use a 1040 or 1040A form.
The following links below are access to these two forms online via the IRS website.

1040 Tax Form

1040A Tax Form


.