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TxMedic76
Returning Member

tax and stimulus

My and my wife filed married/jointly on 2018 tax return. This year we filed married but separate due to itemized deductions etc. I received my 1200 stimulus but she didn't. She didn't have income this year, does she need to file "non-filers" on irs freefile? So confused, I have called turbotax multiple times and no anywhere can give me a correct answer or guidance so she can receive her stimulus check.

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1 Reply

tax and stimulus

Not really sure what to tell you about your spouse's stimulus check since you say you have already called multiple times.  She can look here:

https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment-frequently-asked-questions#payment

 

But....why did you file separate returns?  You mention you did that   "due to itemized deductions etc. ..."  which frankly makes no sense.  Did you have some other reason that you have not mentioned?

 

It is not too late to amend and change to filing a joint return.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899507-how-do-i-amend-a-separate-return-to-married-filing-jointly

If you were legally married at the end of 2019 your filing choices are married filing jointly or married filing separately.

Married Filing Jointly is usually better, even if one spouse had little or no income. When you file a joint return, you and your spouse will get the married filing jointly standard deduction of $24,400 (+$1300 for each spouse 65 or older)  You are eligible for more credits including education credits, earned income credit, child and dependent care credit, and a larger income limit to receive the child tax credit.

 

If you choose to file married filing separately, both spouses have to file the same way—either you both itemize or you both use standard deduction. Your tax rate will be higher than on a joint return. Some of the special rules for filing separately include: you cannot get earned income credit, education credits, adoption credits, or deductions for student loan interest. A higher percent of your Social Security benefits may be taxable. Your limit for SALT (state and local taxes and sales tax) will be only $5000 per spouse. In many cases you will not be able to take the child and dependent care credit. The amount you can contribute to a retirement account will be affected. If you live in a community property state, you will be required to provide additional information regarding your spouse’s income. ( Community property states:  AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI)

If  you are using online TurboTax to prepare your returns, you will need to prepare two separate returns and pay twice.

 

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894449-married-filing-jointly-vs-married-filing-separately

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901162-married-filing-separately-in-community-property-states

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894449-is-it-better-for-a-married-couple-to-file-jointly-or-separ...

 

 

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
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