I do my nieces taxes and have for years. She got married this year. Her husband hasn't filed taxes for 10 years. Should she file married filing separately?

[davis_mc]

She owns a home and they have been living together for many years. I came to my attention after they got married that he hasn't filed taxes for over 10 years. He just this year actually got a bank account. He has done things over all the years but I guess was either paid "under the table" or bartered. He is very skilled at cars so maybe bartered with work on cars. I'm not sure. But my niece has been paying taxes and filing her taxes. To keep her legit, I was thinking of suggesting that she files as married filing separately. Is this a variable option and if not, what options might she have or they both have?

[pk]

@davis_mc , your statement  that  he has opened a bank account implies that he has a tax id  ( probably SSN ).  In such a case, I would not look back but  look at the future and how to bring him into compliance.  Thus I would suggest filing MFJ and with all its benefits.  This will have him contributing to SECA / FICA and this would be good  for when they retire.

There are also other reasons for brining the person into compliance.

That is my view

pk