I married last october (2006) and am wondering if I can file single on my taxes ( its a long story) . My name was changed on my W2 but at the very last minute. Do I have to file married?? Would I get into trouble for filing single?
2007-01-31 04:42:23 · 4 answers · asked by rfreese 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Taxes ➔ United States
If you are married, you must file either married filing joint of married filing separate. You cannot file single, and you do not want to.
You get a much favorable tax treatment by filing married filing joint. Your wages and other income are subject to lower tax brackets and you are subject to increased adjustments and credits that REDUCE YOUR TAX than if you were still single or filed married filing separate.
The tax code is geared to favor families and spending and investment in the economy.
Have your accountant run a comparison of the tax savings you will receive filing Married Filing Joint and Married Filing Separate. Married Filing Joint will give you a significantly smaller tax liability and increases your refund.
You do not want to file Married Filing Separate or Single. You pay more tax.
2007-01-31 04:58:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You CANNOT file single now that you're married. You MUST either file Married Filing Jointly or Married Filing Separately. You'll almost always pay the least tax by filing a joint return.
File your tax return using the name on your Social Security card even if it doesn't match the name on the W2. As long as the number on the W2 matches up, you'll be fine!
(Get the name on your Social Security card changed once you get your refund. If you're not expecting a refund, wait until after April 17th to change your name on your SS card.)
Yes, you can get in trouble for filing as Single.
2007-01-31 12:50:53 · answer #2 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You were married, and will get the largest Standard Deduction when you file Married Filing Jointly You can file also as Married Filing Separate. When you file MFS, you can lose a lot of credits and deductions so, If the Social Security Dept. hasn't updated your records you may still have to use your previous name but still married.
If you or your spouse have any prior tax or debt obligations, and you are afraid it will affect the other, let the innocent party file An Injured Spouse Form to keep each obligation separate.
2007-01-31 12:55:00 · answer #3 · answered by Wood Smoke ~ Free2Bme! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are required to file whatever your status was on December 31st at 11:59:99 pm.
So, if you were married on 12/31, you need to file married.
You can get in trouble if you file incorrectly, so be aware that you are taking that risk if you choose to do so.
I don't know what your long story is, but you can also filed "Married filing separately" if that helps.
2007-01-31 12:48:16 · answer #4 · answered by T H 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋