@cparke3 - I thought of something else that may maintain your current MFS approach
Look how the DOE FAQ is worded:
- To be eligible, your annual income must have fallen below $125,000 (for individuals) or $250,000 (for married couples or heads of households)
it doesn't say anything about 'filing status' in the strickt view of taxes and the IRS. it just says 'married couples' and it doesn't use the word "filing single" either; it says 'individuals'; the IRS would state "filing single", not "individuals".
The words 'filing status' are not used in the FAQ.
You two are married and earned less than $250,000. As written, it appears you qualify even if you file MFS.
Remember, this is driven by Dept of Education and not the IRS....
maybe best to hold off doing anything until late sept / early Oct - still time to file by Oct 15 and let the DOE put more 'meat on the bone' on their rules.
