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    Jirehel's Avatar
    Jirehel Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Dec 30, 2011, 09:36 AM
    Married filing jointly or separately
    I'm a NY State resident who got married in Nevada in July of 2011. How do I figure out if it is more advantageous for my spouse and I to file married jointly or married filing separately?
    JudyKayTee's Avatar
    JudyKayTee Posts: 46,503, Reputation: 4600
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Dec 30, 2011, 10:10 AM
    You prepare returns in both ways and see which is more advantageous. There is no magic formula BUT filing separately is USUALLY more expensive.
    Jirehel's Avatar
    Jirehel Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Dec 30, 2011, 10:26 AM
    THANKS
    MukatA's Avatar
    MukatA Posts: 7,110, Reputation: 176
    Tax Expert
    		  
    #4

    Dec 30, 2011, 08:35 PM
    In most cases, it is better to file as MFJ. If you file MFS, you will not get many credits and deductions including EIC.
    On the joint return the liabilities are joint. For joint return, after the due date you can not amend your return to file separate return. Your U.S. Tax Return: Filing Status for Married
    AtlantaTaxExpert's Avatar
    AtlantaTaxExpert Posts: 21,836, Reputation: 846
    Senior Tax Expert
    		  
    #5

    Dec 31, 2011, 03:35 PM
    Agreed; filing jointly is almost always the better option.
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