Filing statuses: What they are and how to choose one for your taxes

Tax filing can necessitate a lot of lingo and decisions that feel high-stakes. One of the first choices you have to face when you go to do your taxes is what tax filing status to use. This will determine what tax brackets apply to you and, as a result, how much you pay in taxes. It also influences the tax credits and deductions you can claim.

Sometimes your tax filing status is obvious, such as if you are single with no dependents. But in other cases, it is less clear what filing status to select.