what are some cases that you should file seperatly if you are married.?

Question

i am married, but claim my wife as a dependent, but she also works. i need some advice on what i should do as far as filing seperatly or jointly.

Answer 1

If you were to file separately, you could not claim her on your return as a dependent. Do the math first...calculate the forms as either separate or joint and see which way would benefit you both the best. As a married couple, I think you would benefit by filing a joint return, but not knowing what the exact situation is, I would only be guessing. Like I say; do the math first, then see.

Answer 2

File jointly.. you can do married but filing seperatly.. sometimes you get a bigger break if you file together, and you don't have to pay the fee twice if you e-file. If you file jointly, it will ask for the first persons info, then the second and so on. It's pretty easy. That's the way my hubby and I always file, and so far it's been a good thing. Now that I don't work, it really works out for us.

Answer 3

You can never claim a spouse as a dependent. But if you file a joint return, you get two exemptions, one for each of you. If you file separately, you each get your own exemption on your return. Usually, filing jointly will be better financially than filing separately.

The only case where it might be financially better to file separately is where one of you has very high itemized deductions that are subject to limitation based on income, such as medical expenses. Even then, it's not for sure that you'd come out better filing separately.

People also file separately because they don't want to be responsible for the other's tax return, if they suspect something is wrong with what the other one is reporting.

Sometimes when couples have split up but aren't divorced, they file separate returns.

Answer 4

When you file jointly both you and your spouse are legally liable for any Tax debt. If for some reason you or your spouse do not want to be liable for the others debt then you would want to file separately. This could be due to one spouse not being financially responsible, having a business that the other is not involved with, or many other things.both legal and illegal.
It is more beneficial to file jointly in being able to claim certain adjustments and credits. But each Taxpayer has unique circumstances which might call for filing separately.

Answer 5

Filing jointly is 9 times out of 10 the most beneficial status. Usually one of the few reason couples file separately is if they are separated but their divorce isn't final and they don't want to file with each other. Sometimes, if a person knows his/her spouse isn't reporting all their income or cheating the government, they'll want to file separately.

Filing separately results in fewer deductions and credits. You can't receive any Earned Income, your standard deduction is lower. Therefore you end up with more tax due. A good tax professional should be able to figure your return both ways and tell you (for certain) which way is more advantageous.

Answer 6

You might file separately if your spouse has deserted you or is involved in something illegal, but normally you should file jointly. You will pay the least taxes this way. You don't claim each other as dependents - you get to claim two dependents - one for each of you, regardless as to whether she could actually support herself on her income. You can figure it both ways if you want, but you should almost always come out better together than apart.

Answer 7

Calculate the taxes due using both joint & filing separate. The lowest tax bill for you is usually the best choice unless one of you has had recent issues w the IRS

Answer 8

You never file seperately. It is rarely used, because it punishes you greatly for doing it. If you are into illegal or high risk ventures that you don't want your wife involved in at ALL, then you should file seperately. Otherwise, it is NEVER worth it. NEVER.

Answer 9

most places you go to can tell you which one is better. They run it both ways