She does not make enough to pay taxes, after we are married her income will become taxed. married filing seperate gives no real relief, but if we are only married before god and not to the state we would be able to both file as head of household, this would give us a huge tax benefit of $6500. Together we have two kids in college and one in high school, we cannot afford to be legally married.
2007-03-23 19:28:50 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Marriage & Divorce
I'd say that's entirely up to you. Getting 'married' to the government is a business relationship. A civil union or partnership. Basically, getting married in the eyes of the government is just letting them recognize that you're legally bonded to each other. I think the most important aspect of any marriage is the spiritual one, so I think you're on the right track. I know a lot of people who get married just for a business relationship.
If you got married and you filed Married but Filing Separately that's still not going to help you very much but may a little.
Your only downfall of not being married, that is, legally through the government and not just spiritual is numerous but here are some examples:
1. If either of you die, the other isn't entitled to ANY of your property or assets. Make sure you write out a VERY specific will or make sure your kids get it.
2. Most health insurance companies won't cover non-married couples.
3. If you should both die, the state may remand your children if under 18 into the custody of the state.
Those are the major ones I've discovered. I was in a similar situation where in my relationship we acted as though we were married but it wasn't binding (no marriage license). Though, when it ended there wasn't anything to do except divide our stuff and go separate ways. Hopefully that won't happen to you but if you want a binding, legal in the eyes of the government, then I think being married through the state is in more way beneficial than just being 'married' in word alone. Don't just think about the taxes. Think about the long term picture. Good luck!
2007-03-23 19:51:42 · answer #1 · answered by tnstdel 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No you can not both file as head of household, there can only be ONE head of household. The question is why is her income not taxed now if she is single? If she is working in the U.S. then her income whether "enough" or not is still taxed and she can file and get all or most of what she paid in at the end of the year if she claims no deductions. With no legal marriage she will not be covered under any health insurance that you have, she will not be entited to any of your estate when you die, no matter WHAT it states in your will. Your family being bound to you by blood can come in and take everything you have leaving her with nothing because she is not legally married to you. As the mother of your children would you WANT that to happen? I know your kids are older but would you want your family to come in and shove her and your one child still in highschool out of their home simply because YOU find it more advantageous tax wise to remain legally unmarried? Too bad she can't file for divorce.
2007-03-24 09:58:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would double check those figures. I don't think that's accurate. Married filing jointly gives you a higher deduction and other benefits, so it should be about the same if not better. Her income isn't going to change just because you got married, so her taxes won't either. If I'm wrong about this, though, you can keep it common law, or faith based, unless your religion forbids it.
2007-03-23 19:36:41 · answer #3 · answered by Lesley M 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hate to burst your bubble, if you both are living in the same house, only 1 of you can file head of household. if both of you file the same way, you can get into alot of trouble. Just thought you might want to know that. Marriage shouldn't be based on money, I think that is selfish you think that way. If you love one another ,then make it right and get legally married.
2007-03-24 01:38:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In some states you are common law married after so long anyway, but you may not have to file as married,check out the laws in your state. Heres you a website that may be helpful www.usmarriagelaws.com
2007-03-23 19:39:36 · answer #5 · answered by thepeacelover01 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By all means, if you are both OK with it just live on.
Many senior citizens live as you and your wife are living because of Social Security and tax issues. I have even heard of seniors getting divorced in order to be able to live.
I think I would consider divorcing my wife to save $6500 a year and we have been married for over 35 years.
I think I'll check into it, thanks.
2007-03-23 19:42:24 · answer #6 · answered by gimpalomg 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Goodness gracious, $6500 in taxes?!?! is that the government's weird way of saying congratulations on your marriage?
It seems that a spiritual marriage would probably be a good idea.
2007-03-23 19:33:32 · answer #7 · answered by Abe 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I find this a little hard to believe. It sounds like you got some horrible tax advice. I'd find myself a good CPA or tax advisor. IMO, whoever told you this doesn't know what they're talking about.
2007-03-24 02:24:15 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes just go 2 a chruch and ask to be privetly married
2007-03-23 19:31:50 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah its called a ring cermony....ur not really marrried legaly but the rings symbolize the joining of the two of you
2007-03-23 20:01:20 · answer #10 · answered by Finally his wife! 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋