Married 10-21-16, no name change with employer or tax but changed with bank, SS and license. How do I proceed to file?

[drichkowski]

We were not married most of 2016, I was a single mom until 10-21-16 I want to get earned income credit not sure if I am married I can get that. not sure the best way to proceed here

[MichaelL1 · Accepted solution]

Your filing status is determined what you were on 12/31/2016, so you are considered married for tax purposes.

Your two choices are Married Filing Joint or Married Filing Separate. 

Married Filing Joint is generally the best method to use, as some credits are not allowed when you file Married Filing Separate.

[drichkowski]

thank you, my spouse is active duty, I was a single mom (2 kids)until 10-21-16. I do not make a lot I work part time, would we get more in return if we filed separately or jointly?