My boyfriend doesn't pay taxes. Probably never will. If we get married, how can I file my taxes without giving red flags to the IRS about him? My taxes get taken out of my check so it's only fair that I get something back regardless of his past choices. Is my only option "Married filing Separately"? We don't have kids yet but plan on it soon. So whatever advice you can give me will be appreciated!
2007-09-11 10:31:06 · 8 answers · asked by sadiekanesam 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Taxes ➔ United States
Just an observation, how can you trust or respect a person who does not live up to their govt obligations?
You will have to file Married filing separately. I have not prepared a return in a while but I believe you have to put his Social Security Number on the return too.
2007-09-11 10:39:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. For the moment, single because that's what you are. This changes as soon as you say I do.
2. Indeed you would have to file as married filing separately and include his name and social security number as a cross reference.
3. If you live in a community property state, you have to include half of his earnings on your return. He would need to put half of yours on his if he filed.
4. When you file as married filing separately you pay higher rates than you would as a single person.
5. There are benefits from filing jointly that are not available if you file separately. You would not get a $1,000 per child credit against the tax due. You would not be entitled to earned income credit.
6. An income tax return is the vehicle for a self employed person to report earnings for social security and medicare purposes. If your dearly beloved is self-employed, he will not be entitled to social security benefits on his account because he will not have any. If he smokes, he will probably die young making this less of a problem.
7. When the chickens come home to roost on this guy as they surely will some day some way or another, he will be an albatross around your neck even if he is the only guilty party.
8. Before you jump into the swamp, check into some premarital counseling to help you determine if this really a good move for you.
2007-09-11 11:14:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can file as Married Filing Jointly provided on all such returns you disclose your income as well your spouse's income correctly. At least after your marriage everything is regularized for your boyfriend as well. If IRS questions the previous returns of your spouse, it will be his problem only. Even if you file separately or even if you don't get married, the probability of IRS questioning him does not decrease or increase.
You said "My boyfriend doesn't pay taxes. Probably never will". Why? How much did he earn in the year 2006. Does he have a job or is self-employed? Was he earning more than the filing requirement? May be, for most of the years he did not file, his income was below the filing requirement. Check his income statements (W2, 1099, interest...) and it will be in the best interest of both of you if things are regularized.
2007-09-11 12:23:06 · answer #3 · answered by MukatA 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"married filing separately" is a red flag in itself. The IRS assumes this is done because one person in the marriage doesn't want to be grouped in with the other person, most likely because of something shady.
My advice for you is to get him to file his tax returns, atleast for 1 year prior to your wedding. Other question... Does he not make money? If he does, and is frauduently not filing a tax return, this can put your personal assets at risk if the IRS comes after him.... Regardless of how you file.
2007-09-11 12:42:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you get married, then married filing separately or a joint return are your only options, and if he has income and isn’t reporting it, you don’t want to file a joint return, since then you’d become liable for his tax problems for the years you filed a joint return.
And this isn’t in your question – but are you very sure you want to tie yourself to someone who will probably owe tons of money to the IRS down the road somewhere? You mention maybe having children – they’d suffer financially if this happens. Think about it. Good luck.
2007-09-14 03:56:16 · answer #5 · answered by Judy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Run from this guy asap. He is a blood sucker and he will suck you dry. Sounds like he has been living under the radar of the IRS and if you don't want to worry about every phone call, or an unannounced knock at the door, or an unexpected letter from IRS, you should leave him, or you will only be living a life with lots of pain.
He isn't worth it. Those who live within the law have respect for this country and this guy obviously doesn't.
2007-09-11 11:10:07 · answer #6 · answered by Steveo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By not paying taxes he is risking a lot. He could end up in mountains of debt and/or in jail depending on how its handled. The question you need to ask yourself is if you really want to tie your future to this man. What he is doing is illegal and risky, and if you get married, it could put your finances in serious jeopardy. If he earns money while you are married, and you benefit from that without paying taxes, then you are guilty as well. I would urge him to contact the IRS and get this straightened out.
2007-09-11 10:38:00 · answer #7 · answered by jml167 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ummm there is a reason not filing taxes is illegal and why he would get in trouble for not paying taxes... so you can just tell him to pay taxes because that is also called stealing. AND if you do plan on having kids they would need to go to school, and property taxes pay for school so if he dosent pay any taxes he dosent really care about schooling, keeping people safe, and other things the government uses taxes for. the reason we dont have enough money is because people dont pay taxes so its pretty stupid of you to even ask this
2007-09-11 10:40:51 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋