Answer:
Single: this includes never-married, divorced, or legally separated persons who do not have any dependents during the tax year.
Married, Filing Jointly: this includes married individuals (with or without dependents) who combine their income on one tax return.
Married, Filing Separately: this includes married individuals (with or without dependents) who each file a separate tax return on only their own income.
Head of Household: this includes a single individual who maintains a household for one or more dependents (paying more than half of their support).
Qualifying Widow(er): this includes individuals whose spouse has died within the past two years and the individual is supporting at least one dependent.
Explanation:
Prepare your taxes on your own: If you have a simple return or some degree of tax knowledge, this may be a great option, as it can save you the cost of having someone else prepare them. Tax forms are available online and in locations such as libraries and post offices; however, it’s worth remembering it is a complicated process, and if you are not experienced with it, there may be a considerable learning curve and chance of error.
Prepare your taxes with the help of an electronic tax program: If you want to prepare your own taxes but need or want more guidance, there are a number of tax software programs available today to help you. By purchasing the right software or using an online site to prepare the forms, the process can be made much easier, guiding you through the areas of returns and deductions. These options may be less expensive than hiring a professional, and they do provide a lot more guidance. Online tax preparation sites also offer easy electronic filing, which can speed up any refunds you are owed. Just remember, even the best software may not identify all of the deductions or credits for which you may be eligible, and you may still have lingering questions.
Hire someone to prepare your taxes: Over 85 percent of people in the United States use a professional service every year. Depending on who you choose, this service can cost anywhere from $50 to $2,000 or more for extremely complicated returns. There are a few benefits to utilizing a professional preparation service, one being an expert is likely to be more up-to-date on tax laws and any deductions you might deserve. However, you are still responsible for supplying the tax professional with accurate information, and tax preparation services that offer “refund anticipation loans” often charge high interest rates on these credits.
