Filing single and married

[Kaylagholston94]

I worked 2 different jobs 2019. One of my w-2 I wasn’t married which is in my maiden name. But my other w-2 I was married so it’s in my new last name. Do I file both of them as married? Or am I able to do one single and one married?  Also him and I are not filing jointly. 

[xmasbaby0]

ALL of your 2019 income goes on the same 2019 tax return.  You do not separate the "unmarried" income from the "married" income.

If you were legally married at the end of 2019 your filing choices are married filing jointly or married filing separately.

Married Filing Jointly is usually better, even if one spouse had little or no income. When you file a joint return, you and your spouse will get the married filing jointly standard deduction of $24,400 (+$1300 for each spouse 65 or older)  You are eligible for more credits including education credits, earned income credit, child and dependent care credit, and a larger income limit to receive the child tax credit.

If you choose to file married filing separately, both spouses have to file the same way—either you both itemize or you both use standard deduction. Your tax rate will be higher than on a joint return. Some of the special rules for filing separately include: you cannot get earned income credit, education credits, adoption credits, or deductions for student loan interest. A higher percent of your Social Security benefits may be taxable. Your limit for SALT (state and local taxes and sales tax) will be only $5000 per spouse. In many cases you will not be able to take the child and dependent care credit. The amount you can contribute to a retirement account will be affected. If you live in a community property state, you will be required to provide additional information regarding your spouse’s income. ( Community property states:  AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI)

If  you are using online TurboTax to prepare your returns, you will need to prepare two separate returns and pay twice.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894449-married-filing-jointly-vs-married-filing-separately

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901162-married-filing-separately-in-community-property-states

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894449-is-it-better-for-a-married-couple-to-file-jointly-or-separ...

[VolvoGirl]

It doesn't matter what you claim at work or what name you use. That is just for the employer to calculate the tax withholding.  Like I'm married but claim Single at work to have more withholding taken out.

Your actual tax return goes by your status on Dec 31 each year.