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Anonymous
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How to divide our tax refund between spouses (we got married last year)?

My husband and I got married in September.  We keep separate finances but are filing as married filing jointly.  How should we split our tax refund between us?

Last year, my federal tax refund was about $1300; his was only $47.  This year, filing jointly, our federal tax refund is about $1400.  I'm guessing that because of the exemptions we've both claimed on our W-4s (which haven't changed since we got married), most of the refund should be mine, based on my income, but I can't find any information about how to determine what portion of your refund is from which income source.  Any help?

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Accepted Solutions

How to divide our tax refund between spouses (we got married last year)?

There is no precise way to do this, because everything on a married joint return is calculated together.  One solution is to prepare two married filing separate returns, figure out refunds based on that, and then apportion the actual refund based on that percentage.  Or do the same for two single returns.  Example:  Married joint return has refund of $1400.  Your MFS return has refund of $1200.  His MFS return has refund of $100.  You claim 12/13 of $1400; he claims 1/13.

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17 Replies

How to divide our tax refund between spouses (we got married last year)?

as new lovey-doveys you could just split it 50-50

How to divide our tax refund between spouses (we got married last year)?

There is no precise way to do this, because everything on a married joint return is calculated together.  One solution is to prepare two married filing separate returns, figure out refunds based on that, and then apportion the actual refund based on that percentage.  Or do the same for two single returns.  Example:  Married joint return has refund of $1400.  Your MFS return has refund of $1200.  His MFS return has refund of $100.  You claim 12/13 of $1400; he claims 1/13.

Anonymous
Not applicable

How to divide our tax refund between spouses (we got married last year)?

Would it be reasonable (and close enough, saving myself all that work) to calculate the proportion based on our single returns from last year instead?

How to divide our tax refund between spouses (we got married last year)?

Sure, as long as your spouse agrees.  Really, any mechanism that works for the two of you is fine.  Yes, it is a pain in the butt.  I used to do it for my wife and me (using single returns instead), because we paid a fairly large marriage penalty, she had to pay self-employment tax, etc. and used an Excel worksheet.  But I'm a tax geek.
Anonymous
Not applicable

How to divide our tax refund between spouses (we got married last year)?

Awesome.  Thank you so much!
RMcPeak
New Member

How to divide our tax refund between spouses (we got married last year)?

I developed a spreadsheet to help my spouse and I divide our return equitably based on proportional income and taxes withheld.  You can get it here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Tax-Return-Division-Between-Spouses-5260263.

 

Hope it helps!

alexmitev
New Member

How to divide our tax refund between spouses (we got married last year)?

I am sorry but I regret that I spent $2.12 on your spreadsheet. It is pretty simplistic and DOES NOT show how to split the money from the tax return. And I am being really polite here.

alexmitev
New Member

How to divide our tax refund between spouses (we got married last year)?

LOL ... this is not always the case

How to divide our tax refund between spouses (we got married last year)?

How can we compare married filing jointly with married filing separately?

If you already created a joint return in the TurboTax CD/Download software, there's a quick way to see how filing separately affects your federal return.

Note: This won't work in TurboTax Online.

  1. Open your return and select Forms in the top right corner of the window.
  2. Click Open Form and type What-If Worksheet (it may appear as What-If Wks).
  3. Check the MFJ vs. MFS box at the top.
  4. Scroll down to Balance Due (Refund) located under Line 74.
    • The second column shows the federal outcome for a joint return, and the third and fourth columns, respectively, show the outcome for the taxpayer and spouse if filing separately.
    • Negative numbers are refunds, positive numbers are taxes due.

However, this doesn't give you the whole picture because it doesn't account for your state return. For a true apples to apples comparison, you'll need to prepare your returns both ways.

Related Information:

How do I switch from filing jointly to filing separately?

Janipaba
New Member

How to divide our tax refund between spouses (we got married last year)?

How about if the spouse pocketed the whole tax return amount? 

How to divide our tax refund between spouses (we got married last year)?


@Janipaba wrote:

How about if the spouse pocketed the whole tax return amount? 


That is between you and your spouse.  Or if you are being represented by a lawyer in a separation/divorce situation, speak with your attorney.

How to divide our tax refund between spouses (we got married last year)?

@Zbucklyo   I agree, this seems like an equitable solution for that case and prob most cases in general.

 

Would be curious to hear your thoughts and thoughts others may have on the following case:

Person A and B are a married couple with no dependents but significantly different income. Person A accounts for 80% of the taxable income.

If they were to file MFS, Person A gets a refund of $1,500 and B would have a balance due of $4,000

If the couple files jointly, the refund is $3,800.

How do you split this fairly?

How to divide our tax refund between spouses (we got married last year)?

Critter-3's answer is amazingly right on target.  Any such What-If option for state taxes?

HeatherPLO
Intuit Alumni

How to divide our tax refund between spouses (we got married last year)?

This information would depend on your individual state.  Select your state at the Help Article here for their Department of Revenue website. 

 

@Southwest7777 

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