@Anonymous wrote:
Hi, I'm in a similar situation.
I want to file my taxes for my first job (I am in the process of getting my green card through marriage), but my man doesn't want to file his taxes now (we filed jointly last year). So I started filing separately, but I live in a Community Property State.
Is there any way that I can just do it by myself? It looks like I need his full filing information, but I don't have access to it. He might decide to file 2020 sometime in the next years, but that might result in a penalty for me. Also, I made less than 3,000 USD last year (am I even required to file?), and he made way more than me (including unemployment because of covid).
I'm also afraid that not filing my taxes might affect my immigration process. What can I do in this situation???
I can only suggest you see an attorney or tax professional in your area. You are right that, most of the time, when you file separately in a community property state, you must report half your spouse's income and your spouse must report half your income. Separate filing in a community property state almost always requires expert help.
The filing deadline is April 15, so you don't need to be in a hurry, and you can get an extension to October 15 if you want. If you think your spouse will never file a tax return, then you may have more significant legal problems that I can't really advise about.
