OK..here is the deal. My Dad is a CPA/Accountant and does my tax return each year. I'm 21 years old. I want to get married to my girlfriend but I don't want him to find out. Is there a way to file my return as "Single" so he could avoid finding out?
Also, if some of you would advise me to get someone else to do my tax returns instead of my Dad, to avoid this problem. What would a good "excuse" to tell my Dad for wanting someone else to file it for me?
Lastly, What is the best time to get married with relation to this problem? Like suppose I had him file a tax return as "Single" how much time would that buy me before next year him having to file it as 'Married?" When would be the best month to do this?
Sorry for a confusing bunch of questions and thanks for reading and responding! :)
2006-10-11 19:08:39 · 9 answers · asked by Tommy R 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Taxes ➔ United States
*Tell him you are an adult now and want to be a mature and responsible adult so you are going to do it yourself. It is not hard to do at all.*
2006-10-11 19:13:17 · answer #1 · answered by # one 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At 21 you are way too young to get married. I'm 27, been with my girlfriend for 6 years, and am an established professional (a CPA) and sometimes I wonder if I'm ready to get married. So I agree unless she's pregnant no reason to get married.
Here's what I don't understand. You are not going to invite your dad to your wedding or tell him that you're getting married yet your biggest concern is your taxes.
Unless you own a business, your taxes aren't difficult. Look at your prior year returns to see how they were done. You can file your taxes electronically using turbo tax. If you still have questions go the library and pick up a tax book. If you're nervous about filing your taxes start the work in January. And since you're taking everyone's advice and not getting married this year. Do your taxes on your this year and have dad check them, if you're not confident.
2006-10-14 11:55:29 · answer #2 · answered by dtshaff 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is NOT legal to file as single if you are married. You can file a joint return or file as "married filing separately" which just about always makes you pay more tax.
Best time to get married would be January, if you wanted to conceal if from your father and have him still prepare your returns. That gives you until April of the following year to break it to him.
But I really think you're better off being up front with him.
2006-10-11 22:43:08 · answer #3 · answered by NotEasilyFooled 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you are married the law states you must file as married or married filing separately, unless you are separated from your spouse & you have a dependent child, & then you may be able to file as head of household.
Tell your father you will be doing your taxes for free online (there are such services), & that you will ask him if you have questions (he will probably be thrilled not to do the work). Then have someone else do them.
2006-10-12 02:15:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, if you're married, you can't legally file as "single". Your situation on Dec 31 determines your status, so if you don't get married until at least January, you can put off letting your dad know until the following year when you have to file.
A bigger issue is - if you're old enough and mature enough to get married, you're old enough and mature enough to tell your parents. If you're afraid to tell them, either because they won't like it or will stop supporting you, then you have no business getting married, and it's not fair to anyone including your future wife. Think about it.....
2006-10-12 02:31:42 · answer #5 · answered by Judy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dude you are clearly too young to be getting married if you have to figuratively "sneak out the window" to do it. You clearly have bigger issues than who files your tax return.
Scientific studies have shown that peoples brains don't physically mature til they're in their mid 20s. Therefore you shouldn't be making life altering decisions at the age of 21. Also, no one should get married unless they are financially and emotionally able to support themselves. Can the two of you do that? I doubt it's possible since you are sneaking around behind your parents backs.
2006-10-11 19:20:27 · answer #6 · answered by maigen_obx 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't get married. You're clearly not ready for it. There's no reason to be in such a rush, unless your g/f is pregnant. If she's not, then you should wait until you're both 26.
2006-10-12 03:03:31 · answer #7 · answered by M W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe you can always file as single even if your married. you'll be missing out on the tax benfits of course which are "minimal" anyway.
note: "minimal" is a relative term.
2006-10-11 19:16:58 · answer #8 · answered by Random 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
yea i agree with "# one"
2006-10-11 19:44:23 · answer #9 · answered by Angelina 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋