Hi, I got married the middle of last year (2024). Unfortunately, the marriage did not work out, and I filed for divorce in December of 2024. The divorce was not finalized until February of 2025. I am almost certain my ex-spouse filed as married filing separately (MFS) and itemized which means I must do the same and itemize. I do not have any deductions other than maybe sales tax. She will not cooperate with me to tell me how she filed (MFS itemized of MFS standard deduction), and she will definitely not file as married filing jointly (MFJ). I decided to go ahead and file as MFS standard deduction hoping there was a slim chance she filed MFS standard deduction or head of household (which I don't think she would qualify as). The IRS accepted my return last night. I noticed when I filed MFS standard deduction I got a $9 refund, but when I did MFS itemized then I owed a whopping $3390. Would the IRS reject my return immediately when I filed it as MFS standard deduction, or should I expect a letter in the middle of Summer stating I owe $3390 plus penalties and interest? Does it matter who files first? Does that set your filing status for both people if you file first? This seems like such a ripoff as I felt like I was penalized for marrying her, and she ran off with a huge refund. I am probably going to get a letter and have to file an amended return and include sales tax deductions to try to lower the amount I will have due. Aggravating. Thanks.
