What Is Filing Status?
Filing status is the category a US taxpayer uses on their federal return, based mainly on marital status and household situation. The five statuses are single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household, and qualifying surviving spouse. Filing status determines tax bracket thresholds and the standard deduction.
Why It Matters
The same income can produce different tax depending on filing status, because bracket thresholds and the standard deduction differ. Head of household generally requires being unmarried and paying more than half the cost of keeping up a home for a qualifying person.
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2026 Federal Tax Bracket Calculator
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Paycheck Calculator (2026)
Estimate your take-home pay using official 2026 federal tax brackets and FICA rates.
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Capital Gains Tax Calculator
Compare short-term vs. long-term capital gains tax.
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🔗 Related Terms
More Taxes Terms
- Additional Medicare Tax
- Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
- Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)
- Capital Gains Tax
- Capital Loss
- Child Tax Credit
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Last updated: September 27, 2026. This definition is for general educational purposes only. It is not financial, investment, tax, legal, or medical advice, and it does not recommend any product or course of action. For decisions about your own situation, consult a qualified professional.