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Level 2
March 19, 2021
Question

First year filing joint

  • March 19, 2021
  • 4 replies
  • 4 views

My husband and I got married not too long ago, and my husband already filed his tax. Since he filed it jointly, do I still need to file for my side?

    4 replies

    Alumni - Champ
    March 19, 2021

    Were you married as of 12/31/2020?  Did he claim your income, etc. on the Joint return?  If, however, you did not get married until 2021, the two of you cannot file Joint.

    LeeevAuthor
    Level 2
    March 19, 2021

    Yes, we were married as of that date. And yes, he did include all of my income to his portion.

    VolvoGirl
    Level 15
    March 19, 2021

    Then it's sounds like you are done and all set.  Nothing for you to do or file for yourself.

    Level 15
    March 19, 2021

    I assume that you were married as of December 31, 2020. If he filed jointly he should have included your income so you would not have to file. 

    VolvoGirl
    Level 15
    March 19, 2021

    Joint means one return combined for the both of you.  You enter all your income and deductions on the same return.  Did you have any income?  Better ask him if he included your income on the Joint return.

    Level 15
    March 19, 2021

    "Married filing jointly" means you, as a married couple, file one tax return that lists all your combined income, deductions, and dependents.  If that is your intention, you must file an amended return to add your information to the return he already filed.

     

    If it is not your agreement to file jointly, then your other option is to file as "married filing separately."  This almost always results in paying more tax because many deductions and credits are limited or disallowed.  However, there are some circumstances where a married couple may want to keep their finances separate.  In this case, you file a new original return as "married filing separately" listing only your own income and deductions, and your spouse will have to file an amended return to change from married filing jointly to filing separately.  The deadline to change to married filing separately. is April 15 (extended to May 17 this year).  If you wait longer, you will not be allowed to change to separate filing.