[gweniepooh]

My husband gets a check every month from is work due to a disablity. No taxes taken out of his check. I heard I would be better off to file my taxes separterly from my husband. Would it be better for me?

[joypulv]

It depends on other factors too, and you need to work out the forms both ways to see which is to your advantage. Having tax software would help but not necessary.

[gweniepooh]

What factors? My husband get a check every month from his praa. Due to a stroke. They don't take out any taxes on his check. I want to receive a refund. Every time I file with him we are payng or we receive very little refund.

[ebaines]

Your objective shouldn't be to get a refund, but rather to pay as little in tax as possible. In general most married couples are better off filing jointly. There are exceptions though - for example if one spouse has high medical expenses that he can deduct but only if filing separately. However, as joypulv said - try it both ways and see which works out best. You don't have to decide until you file your taxes.

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

If HE paid for the disability insurance, then the disability payments are tax-free.

If the employer paid for the disability, then they are considered to be replacement for income and thus subject to income (but NOT FICA) taxes.

[joypulv]

The fact that you are asking what factors suggest that you might benefit from a good tax preparer. Some cities and towns have free tax help from AARP and other groups. Factors other than suggested by ebaines are a big disparity in your relative incomes and major deductions other than medical. You can also adjust your exemptions with your employer so that you will have more taken out of your checks rather than owing at the end. I'd rather owe than get a refund, just because I don't want the IRS sitting on my money until the next year, earning no interest.

[MukatA]

Normally, it is better to file joint return. Choose the method that gives the two of you the lower combined tax.