when do you have to claim married on taxes
You can choose married filing jointly as your filing status if you are married and both you and your spouse agree to file a joint return. You can file a joint return even if one of you had no income or deductions. Only a married couple can file a joint return. You are considered married for tax purposes for the entire year if, by December 31: 1  you are married and living together.  you are living together in a common law marriage recognized in the state where you live or in the state where the common law marriage began.