I got married near the end of last year(2002). My bride was not working at the time and didn't start back to work until late January 2003. She DID work in 2002 just not after our marriage. My questions: do I file as a single? If I can file as either a single or couple which is best? Also, I purchased my first home in early 2002. I bought Turbo Tax Delux to do my taxes but is it wise to use it or should I go to an expert considering all of the new things (wife/home)? Thanks.
Even if you got married on December 31, 2002...then you MUST file as married on your 2002 tax return. You may file married filing jointly or married filing separately.
Most people file jointly. If you file separately, there are certain deductions not available to you. My suggestion is to run it through TurboTax both ways and see which is best for you.
www.taxactonline.com is what I used for my return the last few years. I highly recommend it. It is VERY user friendly and walks you through your whole return step by step. Even if you have a ton of write offs, this would be the way to go. I believe the site charges about $5.
I got to use telefile this year since I am single again. I phone-filed last monday an I should have my moolah this friday.
Exactly...they ask you for your ss, the employer id #, and the income #'s. then they tell you what you will be refunded or what you have to pay. You can set it up for direct deposit for a faster refund which is what I did. 2 weeks...I should have my money this friday.
Free Agent.....NEVER FILE MARRIED SEPARATELY!!!! Please, Please, Please dont file married filing separately. You will get screwed majorly. You also have a 50% chance of being audited by the IRS. Married Filing Jointly is the BEST way to go if at all possible. The ONLY way i would recommend anyone EVER filing separate is if the other spouse deliberately doesnt want to do her taxes. That is THE ONLY way i would ever recommend that. Basically married filing separately 98% of the time will screw you. Trust me you dont want the IRS to audit you and MFS is like holding up a red flag to them. It's a big no-no in the tax world.Take it from me, ive worked for H&R Block and im certified to do taxes.
I get my $$$ next friday, congrats. FA - file married/joint. It usually comes out better. I also used TaxAct and e-filed. It is sweet. I also got a "free" code so I didn't have to pay anything for my efile. I believe that the "marriage tax" will be gone very soon and you will get even more money back filing married/joint.
Not always. In Ohio the state tax is set up to be advantegeous for married people who have similar incomes to get a larger refund for state taxes, which more than offsets the federal cost. Also there are circumstances (lot of medical bills for 1 spouse) where it does make since to file MFS.
