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.
Are You Ready for the 2018 Tax Filing Season?
Are You Ready for the 2018 Tax Filing Season? The tax season is just about here and that means it’s already past time to start getting ready to file your return. With that in mind, here are some tried and true tips that you can use to help you get prepared. First off, start gathering…
What Does the New Tax Law Mean for Your Housing?
What Does the New Tax Law Mean for Your Housing? With the new tax reform bill finally in the books, the time for fighting over the bill is over. Now it’s time to let the fight over how it’s going to affect taxpayers, begin. There’s no question the new law is going to affect nearly…
The Senate Passed the Tax Bill and This is What We Know
The Senate Passed the Tax Bill and This is What We Know As of the wee hours of the morning last Saturday, the Senate just passed tax reform. While we are all still anxiously waiting to see what will end up on President Trumps desk, let’s review some of the information that we have up…
Trump Calls for Complete Overhaul of Tax System
Trump Calls for Complete Overhaul of Tax System Calling it the “biggest tax cut in history,” President Donald Trump last week laid out his administration’s plan to completely overhaul the nation’s tax system. Tax reform was one of the biggest calling cards of the new president during his campaign, which ended in victory last November.…