Newly married and filing MFS - do I report my spouse's MAGI for the whole year or only the period we were married?

[calicass83]

My husband and I got married in November 2021

[xmasbaby0]

Why are you filing separate returns?  That is usually the worst way to file.

If you were legally married at the end of 2021 your filing choices are married filing jointly or married filing separately.

Married Filing Jointly is usually better, even if one spouse had little or no income. When you file a joint return, you and your spouse will get the married filing jointly standard deduction of $25,100 (+$1350 for each spouse 65 or older)  You are eligible for more credits including education credits, earned income credit, child and dependent care credit, and a larger income limit to receive the child tax credit. 

If you choose to file married filing separately, both spouses have to file the same way—either you both itemize or you both use standard deduction. Your tax rate will be higher than on a joint return. Some of the special rules for filing separately include: you cannot get earned income credit, education credits, adoption credits, or deductions for student loan interest. A higher percent of your Social Security benefits may be taxable. Your limit for SALT (state and local taxes and sales tax) will be only $5000 per spouse. In many cases you will not be able to take the child and dependent care credit. The amount you can contribute to a retirement account will be affected. If you live in a community property state, you will be required to provide additional information regarding your spouse’s income. ( Community property states:  AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI)

 If  you are using online TurboTax to prepare your returns, you will need to prepare two separate returns and pay twice.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894449-married-filing-jointly-vs-married-filing-separately

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901162-married-filing-separately-in-community-property-states

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894449-is-it-better-for-a-married-couple-to-file-jointly-or-separ...

Best Wishes!

[DoninGA]

If you are filing as Married Filing Separately none of your spouse's income is entered on your tax return.  You only enter their name and Social Security number on your tax return.

You should be filing as Married Filing Jointly even if one spouse has little or no income.  MFJ is more tax advantageous then filing separately. 

See this TurboTax support FAQ for filing jointly versus separately - https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/married/help/is-it-better-for-a-married-couple-to-file-jointly-or-...

[xmasbaby0]

In answer to your question----the whole year.   If you were married on even the last day of 2021 you are considered to be married for all of 2021.

[calicass83]

Yes, I am aware of the difficulties in filing MFS, but I don't have a choice. My spouse left us 12/30 (yes, less than 2 months after we married) and won't file jointly. Plus, there are healthcare complications with my children having received medi-cal for most of the year.