I am legally separated from my wife and am not sure how to file the taxes. Do we have to file seperately or can we still file joint. We both would like to file joint if thats possible. Thanks!!
2007-12-27 14:20:27 · 3 answers · asked by tchevy89 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Taxes ➔ United States
If you are on good terms with your wife, your best bet is to file "Married Filing Jointly". Married Filing Separately is the least desirable filing status to use.
2007-12-27 23:15:02 · answer #1 · answered by Gary 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Your filing status is single if, on the last day of the year, you are unmarried or legally separated from your spouse under a divorce or separate maintenance decree, and you do not qualify for another filing status. If you have a qualifying child and meet the requirements, you can be Head of Household.
2007-12-27 20:41:44 · answer #2 · answered by MukatA 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As of 12/31/07, are you legally divorced? No? Then you can file as Married Filing Jointly. It is probably the best filing status since it gives you both higher standard deductions.
You also can do the following:
You can't file single until you officially divorced! You can choose married filing separately (MFS) as your filing status if you're married and have no dependents (means basically have no kids to claim). The filing status may benefit you if you want to be responsible only for your your own tax. However, this is the least desirable filing status, because taxpayer has rather limited credits and lowest standard deductions.
You maybe able to choose Head of Household (HH) status, if you meet certain tests. This can apply to you even if you're not divorced or legally separated.
if you qualify to file as HH status instead of as MFS, your tax liability may be lower, you are able to claim earned income credit and other credits and also your standard deduction will be higher.
You may be able to file as HH, if you meet the following requirements:
1) You're considered "unmarried" on the last day of the year (means basically you didn't live with your wife for the last 6 months of a tax year).
2) You paid more than half of the cost of keeping up your home for the year.
3) "Qualifying person" (means you took care of someone, can be your kids, also parents who doesn't live with you and others) lived with you more than half of the year.
Note:Kids in college (temprory abcense) will be considered lived with you.
If you need more info, please click below link of IRS. Check under "FILING STATUS"
2007-12-27 15:53:36 · answer #3 · answered by Q 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
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RE:
I am legally separated, how do I file taxes.?
I am legally separated from my wife and am not sure how to file the taxes. Do we have to file seperately or can we still file joint. We both would like to file joint if thats possible. Thanks!!
2015-09-10 00:54:24 · answer #4 · answered by Chuck 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As of December 31, 2007 whatever your legal status is, is what you can file on your return. If you are still married and not legally divorced, you can file married. If you don't trust your spouse or her you, that is the purpose of married filling separately.
2007-12-27 14:32:00 · answer #5 · answered by doris_38133 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your filing status is single if, on the last day of the year, you are unmarried or legally separated from your spouse under a divorce or separate maintenance decree...
2007-12-27 14:48:54 · answer #6 · answered by Judy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Until you are completely and legally divorced, you can still file jointly (or married filing separately). The IRS doesnt have a separated choice, only married or single.
2007-12-27 14:24:20 · answer #7 · answered by edco 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋