[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":7},["ShallowReactive",2],{"faq-standard-6363":3},{"rec_id":4,"title":5,"text":6},"6363","What filing status should I use after a divorce?","If you are divorced or legally separated on or before December 31, 2025, you are considered to be unmarried the whole year. The best filing status is \u003Ci>Head of Household\u003C/i> if you qualify. You usually qualify for \u003Ci>Head of Household\u003C/i> if you have a child or dependent who lives with you for more than half the year, even if your ex-spouse claims your child as a dependent on his or her tax return. Otherwise, you would file as \u003Ci>Single\u003C/i>. \r\n\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\r\nIf you are still married on December 31, 2025, you will either file as \u003Ci>Married Filing Jointly\u003C/i> or \u003Ci>Married Filing Separately\u003C/i>. \u003Ci>Married Filing Jointly\u003C/i> almost always gives you an overall bigger refund. However, if you are worried that your ex-spouse is cheating on the tax return or if you owe money to the IRS on the tax return and you don't think your ex-spouse will pay his or her half of the taxes owed, you might consider filing as \u003Ci>Married Filing Separately\u003C/i>.",1777391566200]