How to File Taxes if Married Filing Jointly
- 1). Determine that you were legally married as of December 31 of the tax year. If your spouse died during the tax year, you can file under the married filing jointly status unless you remarried and divorced during the tax year.
- 2). Determine that you were not legally separated during the tax year under a separate maintenance decree issued by a court.
- 3). Determine that your spouse is filing jointly with you.
- 4). Check the box for "married filing jointly" on line 2 of the 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ.
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