and if not, then who claims the children to benefit in a higher return?? Or how long do you have to be seperated before you can file seperately?
2007-02-27 02:32:27 · 10 answers · asked by jennifer k 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
nope..tat's ur choice..
2007-02-27 02:46:37 · answer #1 · answered by YInN 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
husband and wife do not have to file together, even when they are happily married. So, in the event of separation you can file "married filing separate" and the person who gets to claim the child(ren) is the one who has been providing the most care since the separation. generally, the person with whom the child lives. now, if you didn't separate until late in 2006 or after the new year then the other parent may try to lay claim to the child, and would have a good argument in the irs's eyes. another option is to split the child's tax credits, which is a little complicated, but can be done. blessed be.
2007-02-27 10:50:14 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No they don't, they can file seperately. It is between the couple who claims the kids, or it can be on alternate years if agreed. You can file immediately in the year you are seperated. There is no waiting period.
However, you want to make sure one or the other party is not claiming you as a dependent or including you on the return.
2007-02-27 10:36:06 · answer #3 · answered by Big Bear 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are three categories--single, married, or married filing separately. There will be a box at the top of your 1040 for you to check. If you are separated, the parent with custody is usually the one who gets to claim the kids, unless the court orders otherwise. You don't have to be separated to file separately.
2007-02-27 10:51:36 · answer #4 · answered by cross-stitch kelly 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can always file separately. Who gets the claim the kids? Whoever files first....hurry up!
2007-02-27 10:36:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
in texas if u file separately and u live together u can get in trouble for claiming 2 heads of the household. i think its that way in all the states.
2007-02-27 11:20:16 · answer #6 · answered by blondie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You never HAVE to file joint taxes. But be warned, you will pay more to the IRS if you are married and file seperately.
2007-02-27 10:48:28 · answer #7 · answered by Yak Rider 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can file separately but the one who makes the most money claims the children
2007-02-27 10:35:20 · answer #8 · answered by Ruth Less RN 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
you never have to file jointly
2007-02-27 10:35:44 · answer #9 · answered by virginia m 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no, they don't. that's for you to decide.
2007-02-27 10:35:09 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋