How should I file my taxes if I got divorced?

How should I file my taxes if I got divorced?

The alternative is to file as married filing separately. It’s 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.

Should I change my tax withholding after divorce?

You may also end up owing taxes or get a lower tax refund if your tax withholding throughout the year reflected your married status when you should’ve been paying taxes at individual rates. You should update your W-4 as soon as your divorce is finalized to avoid getting an unpleasant surprise on Tax Day.

When can I file taxes as single after divorce?

It doesn’t matter if you and your spouse have been living separatelyyou’re still married according to the tax code unless a court order states that you’re divorced or legally separated. You’re no longer married and you must file a single return if you’re separated by court order on Dec.