turbotax icon
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
turbotax icon
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Announcements
Close icon
Do you have a TurboTax Online account?

We'll help you get started or pick up where you left off.

Married Filing Jointly or Separate?

My wife and I got married in August 2023. I have a payment plan in place with the IRS to pay monthly on prior tax years owed. So if I ever get a refund the amount is usually applied to the balance owed to the IRS for this instead of getting the actual refund. Should my wife and I file separately for this reason? If we file jointly and there is a refund it most likely will be applied to amount owed by me to the IRS for past tax years owed. Thank you. 

x
Do you have an Intuit account?

Do you have an Intuit account?

You'll need to sign in or create an account to connect with an expert.

1 Reply
DawnCo
Employee Tax Expert

Married Filing Jointly or Separate?

Hi Mantock123, 

Thanks for joining event today.

To simplify the answer. 

The simplest way to handle is Married Filing Separate. With filing that way, you would loose certain credits. Earned Income Credit, Child Care Credit, Education Credits and Student Loan Interest. In return, your spouses refund would be safe. I would recommend only doing this if you are a higher income earner (do not qualify for Earned income credit) with no dependents in childcare. If any of these credits are something you would qualify for and loose with choosing this option, I would opt for Married filing jointly claiming Injured spouse. This would free up the spouses portion of refund and not loose the credit. 

Here is an article to help decide which way to go. 

https://www.empower.com/the-currency/life/when-does-married-filing-separately-make-sense#:~:text=Oth....

Here is how to file injured spouse with Married filing jointly:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/spouse-partner/file-form-8379-injured-sp...

 

message box icon

Get more help

Ask questions and learn more about your taxes and finances.

Post your Question