What tax return should I file?

Question

Which form should I use: 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ?

I'm "married, filing separately" and I did not have any income last year to report. I am only filing so I can file my FAFSA.
I was told to file a 1040 to claim Hope and Lifetime Learning credits, but then someone else told me that you can't claim those if you are "married, filing separately".
Am I eligible to file a 1040A or 1040EZ, and if so, should I?

I'm filing separately because my husband is a Polish citizen living in Poland. He has no income to report to the IRS because he is not a citizen and does not live here. It's a complicated situation, but since we don't live together and our finances are kept separate, I really can't file jointly.

Answer 1

You can't file as married filing separately with a 1040EZ.

The person who told you that you can't take education credits when filing as married filing separately is correct, but if you don't have taxable income, those credits wouldn't do you any good anyway, since they can only reduce your taxes to zero and yours are already there.

File a 1040A. You can file a 1040 if you prefer.

Answer 2

Just a suggestion, use TurboTax. It will ask you a series of yes or no questions and that way you can be sure you file correctly. Plus, it picks the forms and fills them out for you. I use it every year and swear by it.

Answer 3

it is better to file jointly as you did not make any income last year. it will reduce the tax burden on your family as a whole and you will have more of tax credits by filing jointly.

Answer 4

I really not sure. But, will assume 1040EZ work in your case. You just need to show your income on an official document for FAFSA and being "Separated" ;-) from your husband, you sure not need his income on your 1040, considering he not supporting you. :-D

Answer 5

Since your husband is a Polish citizen and isn't in the US Tax system, you are considered Single.


good luck