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.
Which Tax Law Is Really Hurting Silicon Valley?
Silicon Valley is known for a lot of things. Some of the world’s greatest technological advances and ideas have come from companies located in the Silicon Valley. Likewise, some of the world’s most innovative and largest companies were born in Silicon Valley and still call it home today. Many people have found great success and…
More Proof the Wealthy Are Paying More Taxes
Depending on whom you ask, the wealthiest Americans either don’t pay enough in taxes and should be forced to pay more, or they pay way too much already and should be given a break. As with most cases, there are three sides to every story: yours, mine, and the truth. According to the Tax Foundation,…
Do You Know How to Stay Wealthy?
Most wealthy people work tirelessly to obtain their wealth and then continue to practice the same principles to maintain that wealth. However, achieving wealth and maintaining wealth over the long haul are two entirely different things. Therefore, it’s important to have the right advance plan in place if you wish to hold onto the wealth…
How Do Profitable Traders Save on Their Taxes?
Stock trading is an up-and-down endeavor and investors can win big, lose it all or maintain an even keel. For those investors that achieve a high level of success and become profitable traders the next trick is to learn how to save on taxes. That can be a completely different game in and of itself.…