Can I File a Joint Tax Return
For most couples going through divorce, taxes is the last thing on their mind. But come filing time, they need to consider what their filing status will be. To help you understand you options, read the following answer from our financial expert.
Can we file as married filing jointly if we are separated? Barbara's Question: My husband of fifty years and I separated three years ago. Since we're only separated, could we file our taxes as married filing jointly, which would be a financial advantage? Timothy's Answer: Your filing status for taxes is determined by your marital status as of December 31 of the current tax year. If your divorce has been finalized by that date, your taxes would be filed either as single or head of household. If you are still married by December 31st, your tax filing status would be either married filing a joint return or married filing a separate return. The individual laws of your state will determine whether you are considered legally separated or divorced at that time. Even if you were not living together at the end of the year, as long as the divorce has not been finalized you have the choice of filing married filing jointly. Please refer to IRS Publication 504 for further details, which may be viewed at www.irs.gov . You are right, more often than not there is a monetary advantage to the filing status married filing jointly. We highly recommend you consult with a tax professional to learn whether there will be a monetary advantage for both parties if you were eligible to use the married filing a joint return status. Do I have to file jointly and split the refund if we're separated? Kristen's Question: Can a woman be forced to file taxes as married and split the refund with her husband if her husband left 11 months ago and rarely pays child support? Brette's Answer: No one can force you to sign the return. You can file married filing separately. Can we continue to file jointly after we're divorced? LaDonna's Question: If my ex husband and I file our taxes together does that mean that we are legally re-married? Can we file our taxes together year after year if both of us are still single? Brette's Answer: No. You can only file a joint return if you are married. If you file it and you're not married, you may have a problem with the IRS. It does not magically mean you are married again.
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