How do I file after marriage?

[Littlesaint]

I have lived with my parents the last couple of years and I am still in school so they still claim me on taxes. If I were to get married in a month or two would they be able to claim me one last time seeing as I have lived here almost the entire year?

[Carl]

There are specific requirements that must be met if you are married during the tax year, on or before Dec 31 of that tax year, in order for your parents to be able to claim you.

- First, they must qualify to claim you "as if" you were not married. All requirements must be met, including the support requirement. Just so you know, the support requirement is on you, not your parents. There is no requirement for your parents to provide any support - not one single penny.

 - Second, when you file your tax return you "MUST" file with a status of "Married Filing Separate". You can not claim any dependents, you can not take and deductions for you or your spouse. Your spouse must also file MFS and while she can claim dependents, she can not claim any exemptions what-so-ever for you. (Your parents get those exemptions, if any.)

[Littlesaint]

Will being married affect my parents taxes? Or will it was just as if I were not married for this last year.

[Carl]

If *you* and your new wife file as I indicated above, it changes nothing on your parent's taxes, other than the fact that they will indicate on their tax return that

- you were married during the tax year and

- You filed MFS and did not claim any dependents or your spouse.