Filing Status with Pending Divorce with Child in College

[James H2]

I have filed for divorce but the divorce will not be final until early 2023.  I made 100% of the income in 2022.  We have a child in college.  What is the best filing status for me for 2022?  What impacts can the filing status have on receiving financial aid?

[PaulD CPA]

Hi James, in that situation, Married Filing Joint (MFJ) will most likely be the best filing status. 

As this article explains, "Tax filing status does not affect who completes the FAFSA"  How Does Income Tax Filing Status Affect Student Aid?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) instructions details various scenarios for married parents who are separated:  FASFA- Reporting Parent Information 

This TurboTax article explains the consequences of the Married Filing Separately status, the most detrimental would likely be the ineligibility for education credits such as the American Opportunity tax Credit:  Should You and Your Spouse File Taxes Jointly or Separately?