Question about how to file

Lunatunax · ‎April 6, 2024

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.

AnnetteB6 · ‎April 7, 2024

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.

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View solution in original post

AnnetteB6 · ‎April 7, 2024

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.

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post
**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"

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Question about how to file