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Level 2
October 25, 2023
Solved

Married Filing Joint when one does not need to file?

  • October 25, 2023
  • 1 reply
  • 13 views

We got married this year. One of us is not required to file as they earned less than $12,950. Is it more advantageous for the spouse that needs to file to file jointly? Or separately?

    Best answer by user17581364628

    Hi @KP3535 

     

    We recommend you to run both scenarios (Married Filing Jointly or Married Filing Separately) to see which one gives you bigger tax break or refund.  Additionally, if you live in the following states:

    • Arizona
    • California
    • Idaho
    • Louisiana
    • Nevada
    • New Mexico
    • Texas
    • Washington
    • Wisconsin

    They are referred to as community property states. For Married Filing Separately, you will handle them differently. Pretty much rather than allocating your income based on earnings, you will allocate evenly 50/50 income and deductions. 

     

    Additional information can be found by clicking here

    1 reply

    Level 5
    October 25, 2023

    Hi @KP3535 

     

    We recommend you to run both scenarios (Married Filing Jointly or Married Filing Separately) to see which one gives you bigger tax break or refund.  Additionally, if you live in the following states:

    • Arizona
    • California
    • Idaho
    • Louisiana
    • Nevada
    • New Mexico
    • Texas
    • Washington
    • Wisconsin

    They are referred to as community property states. For Married Filing Separately, you will handle them differently. Pretty much rather than allocating your income based on earnings, you will allocate evenly 50/50 income and deductions. 

     

    Additional information can be found by clicking here

    KP3535Author
    Level 2
    October 25, 2023

    Thank you. We do not live in one of those states.