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PQStet
New Member

Got married, but didn't move in together until the end of the year

Hi, 

 

My wife and I, got married in January of 2024, she didn't move in my townhouse until January of 2025 and still owns her own house. We both live in NJ. How should we file our taxes and what about our homes ( We are getting her's ready to be sold this year 2025). And lastly is there are expert in my area you recommend and/or which of your services would be the best for us to use? 

 

Thank you. 

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2 Replies
DianeW777
Employee Tax Expert

Got married, but didn't move in together until the end of the year

For the best results you may want to file as married filing jointly. The only other option would be to file as married filing separately and that is not always the best result. Keep in mind that married filing separately is a penalty status and can cause a higher tax due to possible credits that may be unallowed.  Likewise, your state can be a factor in making your decision so be sure to include your state returns in each scenero.

 

You can create a return for each of you, then after checking the results on both separate returns, add your spouse to your return to see the results on a joint return.

 

This will show you the best end results and best way to file. The links below can be helpful.  

IRS - Choosing the Correct Filing Status

IRS Tool-What Is My Filing Status?

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Got married, but didn't move in together until the end of the year

You should usually file a Joint return which is only 1 return combined for the both of you. Joint has the lowest tax rates and the highest Standard Deduction. And if you are in a Community Property state MFS gets tricky to figure out. Make sure to stick with this one account for the future. Just ignore the other spouse's account.


Start a return and enter your name and info. It will ask if you are single or married. When you pick married a box will open for her name and info. Then when you enter any forms like W2s or 1099s be sure to pick who it is for. That is very important. When you get married you are considered married for the whole year even if you got married on Dec 31.


Getting Married FAQ
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-filing-status/help/what-does-getting-married-mean-for-my-taxes...


Tax info on getting married
https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/marriage/getting-married/L0DvEUlEC


Did you both use Turbo Tax last year?

You can not transfer from or combine 2 returns or accounts. Just pick the return for the spouse that has the most complicated return to enter or has any depreciation or business or more investments. Or use the account/return for whoever you want to be listed first going forward (by the way you can not change the order of the names). Then add the other spouse's name, ssn and info to it.

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