How to Choose Your Tax Filing Status if You’re Married
If you’re married then you’ve probably just always filed a joint return with your spouse. In fact, chances are you’ve never even considered filing any other way. However, for some people, married filing jointly is not the best option. Depending on your situation, it could be more advantageous to file separately. Here are some things to consider when choosing what filing status to use if you are married.
While in many cases, filing together could help lessen the tax hit on you and your spouse it doesn’t always work that way. Sometimes, the only advantage of filing jointly is that you only have to worry about one return. If you and your spouse both work and one of you earns a lot more than the other, then it will typically be better to file jointly, as it will usually help reduce your combined tax bill.
On the other hand, there are other circumstances wherein it that might better to file separately. For example, if you both have taxable income and one of you has a lot of itemized deductions limited by adjusted gross income (AGI), then it might make sense to file separately. That’s because by filing separately, you can also separate both of your AGI’s. If your AGIs are lower on your separate returns, you can save on your tax bill.
This is just one example of where filing separately from your spouse could be helpful. However, it’s best to weigh all your options before making that choice. If you’re not sure what status to choose, you can contact us at GROCO for help. We’ll look at all the numbers and all the possible scenarios and choose the best path for you. Call us at 1-877-CPA-2006, or click here.
A Thorny Dilemma: The Ethics of Mortgage Walkaways
A Thorny Dilemma: The Ethics of Mortgage Walkaways By Steve Merrel, Partner Willow Ridge Capital Advisors In the aftermath of the housing bubble and the lending frenzy that fueled it, more and more families find themselves stuck owing a lot more on their mortgages than their homes are worth. Pressed with rising mortgage rates and…
Qualities of Effective Team Leaders
Qualities of Effective Team Leaders What does it take to develop effective team leadership skills? It can be a difficult task to accomplish, but as you strive to take the following steps, you can be a more effective team leader. Your Perception Empowering others begins with the way you see them. You can either assume…
IRS Delays User Fee Charges for Form 8802
IRS Delays User Fee Charges for Form 8802 October 10, 2006 Notice 2006-90 announces that the new user fee will be charged for all Forms 8802, Application for United States Residency Certification, received with a postmark date on or after November 1, 2006. Form 8802 is used to request Form 6166, a letter that the…
30 Year Fixed Rate Cash Flow Option Refinance
30 Year Fixed Rate Cash Flow Option Refinance The Pay Option ARM mortgage has become one of the most popular home loans in the USA, and is definitely the fastest growing option in high cost states like California, Florida, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. While many people love the start rates which can be…