This article is for information only and is not tax advice.
The question asks whether you were married on December 31, 2026, the last day of the tax year. Your filing status depends on your marital status at the end of the tax year. The date of your marriage during the year does not matter.
When do I answer Yes?
Answer Yes if you were married on December 31, 2026. You can have married at any time on or before that date. A marriage in the U.S. and a marriage in your home country both count.
When do I answer No?
You were not married on December 31, 2026.
You married after December 31, 2026. The IRS treats you as single for 2026.
You divorced on or before December 31, 2026.
Does it matter where I got married?
No. Your marriage counts if it took place in the U.S. or in your home country. Your visa type does not change your marital status for tax purposes.
What if I married after the end of the tax year?
Answer No. If you married after December 31, 2026, you are treated as single for the 2026 tax return. Use your marital status as of December 31, 2026.
What if I got divorced during the year?
If your divorce was final on or before December 31, 2026, answer No. If your divorce was not final by that date, you were married on the last day of the year. Answer Yes.
How does my marital status affect my filing status?
Your filing status is based on your marital status at the end of the tax year. A nonresident alien generally cannot file as Married Filing Jointly. Married Filing Jointly is available only to residents who were married at the end of the year.
| Your situation | Your filing status on Form 1040-NR |
|---|---|
| You were not married on December 31, 2026 | Single |
| You were married on December 31, 2026, and you are a nonresident alien | Married Filing Separately |
If you are married and your spouse is not a U.S. citizen or resident, you figure your tax with the rates for Married Filing Separately.
Can I file a joint return with my spouse?
Only in one case. If your spouse is a U.S. citizen or a U.S. tax resident, you might be able to choose to be treated as a U.S. resident and file jointly. You cannot do this in Sprintax Returns. You must use a resident tax preparation platform.
A joint return on this basis taxes your income from all sources worldwide. Consider this before you choose it.
What spouse details does Sprintax Returns ask for?
If you are married, Sprintax Returns asks for your spouse's name and date of birth. Enter your spouse's taxpayer ID, such as an SSN or an ITIN, if your spouse has one.
What are the key facts about the marital status question?
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Which date does the question ask about? | December 31, 2026. |
| Does the place of marriage matter? | No. A marriage in the U.S. or in your home country counts. |
| What do I answer if I married after December 31, 2026? | No. You are single for 2026. |
| What do I answer if I divorced by December 31, 2026? | No. |
| Can a nonresident alien file Married Filing Jointly? | Generally no. |
| What filing status does a married nonresident use? | Married Filing Separately. |
| Can I file jointly with a U.S. citizen or resident spouse? | Possibly, but not in Sprintax Returns. Use a resident tax platform. |
| What spouse details do I enter? | Name, date of birth, and taxpayer ID if your spouse has one. |