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Level 1
posted Mar 29, 2021 11:06:29 PM

how do you determine Stimulus payment for married filing separately

My wife and I have been filing joint returns for years.  Our 2018 & 2019 AGI were above the treshold so IRS gave us only a portion i.e $1663 for the first one and $784 for the second one total for both of us.   In 2020 I was laid off and received severance plus unemployment benefits.   If we file as joint, We will pay $8K+ in taxes.  I was wondering if we file as married but separate, maybe the impact would be lesser meaning, with her results and mine, it would be lesser than 8K.  I'm stumpped on how to enter first and second round amounts in Turbo tax.  If I entered $1663 and $784.  What will my wife enter when I start her return?  TIA   

0 3 454
1 Best answer
Expert Alumni
Apr 1, 2021 8:07:15 AM

Just enter 1/2 of each payment for each of you.  The stimulus payments were equal payments to each spouse.  If reduced, then reduced for both on a joint return.  

3 Replies
Returning Member
Apr 1, 2021 7:15:37 AM

I've got a very similar situation and query. I just spent 90 minutes on the phone to the IRS, spoken to three different people and they could not tell me the answer! I suspect they have not thought of a process/answer for this scenario.

 

If you do get an answer please do share!

Expert Alumni
Apr 1, 2021 8:07:15 AM

Just enter 1/2 of each payment for each of you.  The stimulus payments were equal payments to each spouse.  If reduced, then reduced for both on a joint return.  

Returning Member
Apr 1, 2021 8:12:08 AM

Thanks DMarkM1.

 

I was just worried that it would not match up with the IRS records.