I have only been married 4 months, how should I file my taxes?

Question

I couldn't find a similar question on Answers, and was wondering if any CPA's/tax preparers could lend some advice.

I'd like to know whether my husband and I should file a joint return or separately.
We married in November of 2006. My husband is a Marine and made between $12-14,000. I worked for 5 months in 2006 and earned approx. $5,000. The state listed on his return is HI; mine is listed as OH (I lived with my parents who live in OH for 6 mo.s while he was in Iraq, and during this time I worked). His duty station is in CA (he's been here for the past 3 years), and I claim CA residency.

I was also wondering if we would qualify for the EIC (Earned Income Credit). If we do, should we take it? If we just have to pay it back next year I'd rather not go that route. How should we file in order to maximize our return and minimize the hassle?

Adding some details regarding my EIC query: We are both under 25, with no kids. So I guess that's out of the question for a few years.

Answer 1

Your marital status on 12/31 determines how you can file. Your only options are Married Filing Jointly and Married Filing Separately. You'll usually pay the least tax by filing a joint return.

Contrary to what another respondent said, your parents CANNOT claim you as a dependent any more, regardless of how much support they provided in 2006 or how long you lived with them in 2006. As soon as you said, "I do!" they lost the dependency exemption.

You may be eligible for the EITC, particularly if you have children. If you don't you'll both need to be 25 or older to qualify. It won't be much in that case but if you're eligible for it, claim it. It does not have to be repaid.

Your state taxes get a bit messy. He has to file in HI as that's his domicile. You have to file in OH for the time you lived and worked there and CA since that's your domicile.

Every military installation has a tax assistance office, usually located at the JAG office. Most units also have volunteer Unit Tax Advisors who can help with any questions you have.

Answer 2

File a joint return. You have very little, if any taxable income. You will get most of your taxes refunded, and you are most likely entitled to the EIC.

Answer 3

i file my taxes in Yuma AZ, the name of the place is called MAS Income tax Services.
they are the best service for taxes that I've had.
their phone number is
928 782 2929
you wont regret it.

Answer 4

First I would check with your parents and find out if they are claiming you on your taxes since they could probably claim you as a dependent. That may determine how you and your hubby will file.
If they claim you, I would think that you could not file jointly since you cannot be claimed twice. I would see if the military has services (free or reduced price) that offer tax advice.

Best of luck,
Mon :-)

Answer 5

file separate taxes

Answer 6

Figure it both ways; use whichever way works best for you.