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    cfudala49837's Avatar
    cfudala49837 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Nov 16, 2010, 02:11 PM
    Can a married couple with children have only one spouse file taxes and the other not?
    ebaines's Avatar
    ebaines Posts: 12,131, Reputation: 1307
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    #2

    Nov 16, 2010, 02:27 PM

    I assume you mean to ask: can one spouse file as Married Filing Separately and the other spouse not file at all? Yes, it's possible, but you must file if any of the following are true:

    1. Your gross income was at least $5 and your spouse files a separate return and itemizes deductions.

    2. Your unearned income was more than $950.

    3. Your earned income was more than $5,700.

    4. Your gross income was more than the larger of —
    a. $950, or
    b. Your earned income (up to $5,400) plus $300.

    It usually makes more sense to file as Married Filing Jointly - so I'm curious what the situation is that causes you to think this might be a good idea?
    AtlantaTaxExpert's Avatar
    AtlantaTaxExpert Posts: 21,836, Reputation: 846
    Senior Tax Expert
    		  
    #3

    Nov 17, 2010, 09:26 AM
    I suspect there may be past year tax liabilites for one spouse, possibly from a time prior to their marriage.
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