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Level 2
posted Apr 6, 2024 10:43:38 PM

Question about how to file

If I’m filing married filing separately but don’t know where my spouse is, should I file standard deduction or itemized? I have no idea what my spouse is filing, and I have no way of finding out.

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1 Best answer
Expert Alumni
Apr 7, 2024 6:33:11 AM

If you do not qualify to use another filing status (such as Head of Household with a qualifying child) and you file Married Filing Separately, choose the option that is best for your tax situation since you do not know how your spouse is filing.

 

After your return is filed and presumably your spouse's return is filed using the same filing status, you may get a letter from the IRS if there is a mismatch between the deduction choice.  

1 Replies
Expert Alumni
Apr 7, 2024 6:33:11 AM

If you do not qualify to use another filing status (such as Head of Household with a qualifying child) and you file Married Filing Separately, choose the option that is best for your tax situation since you do not know how your spouse is filing.

 

After your return is filed and presumably your spouse's return is filed using the same filing status, you may get a letter from the IRS if there is a mismatch between the deduction choice.