2007-11-18 12:49:32 · 6 answers · asked by bluesky45687 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Taxes ➔ United States
There is no requirement to file a joint return... but for married people it is usually best to do so to keep from paying higher taxes.
2007-11-18 12:53:41 · answer #1 · answered by Really ? 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Even if you get married on December 31, you are considered married for the whole year for your tax return.
If you are married, your filing Status can only be Married Filing Jointly or Married Filing Separately.
If you have income and your spouse does not have income or has a very little income, then it is better to file as Married Filing Jointly. If both of you have almost equal income, then it won't make much difference. Also may credits and deductions are not available if you file Married Filing Separately. So normally you should file as Married Filing Jointly, unless there is a compelling reason to file otherwise.
This is from IRS publication 17: Your Federal Income Tax. Tip. If you and your spouse each have income, you may want to figure your tax both on a joint return and on separate returns (using the filing status of married filing separately). Choose the method that gives the two of you the lower combined tax.
2007-11-19 02:03:04 · answer #2 · answered by MukatA 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are never required to file a joint return, no matter how long you are married, but it's usually the way you'll pay the least tax. Your only other option is to file as married filing separately.
2007-11-18 20:53:49 · answer #3 · answered by Judy 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
No. You are never required to file a joint return. You can file married, but filing separately.
2007-11-18 20:51:59 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
You may choose MFJ or MFS, Married Filing Joint or Married Filing Separate.
It is usually the best to file MFJ because you get a higher standard deduction plus other tax benefits that are not allowed under MFS.
2007-11-18 21:09:39 · answer #5 · answered by Country Boy 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Based upon your martial status on Dec 31st for each year you will either file "married filing jointly" or "married filing separately". Married filing separately is the least desirable filing status to use.
2007-11-18 21:05:55 · answer #6 · answered by Gary 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋