Married filing separately is the right answer because (wait for it) it is the truth. You have no responsibility for her filing a lie, though the polite thing to do is inform her how you filed so that she has the opportunity to file an amended return and correct her, um, misstatement.
Beyond that, even if she doesn't change her filing status, there are not likely to be implications for either of you. Unless she has some exotic deductions or earns a gazillion dollars the chances of being audited are remote. Worst case is that the mismatch might generate an automatic letter that will again give her the opportunity to file an amended return. Given your income level, I don't see how there would be any change in tax obligations.
Basil Exposition wrote:
Married filing separately is the right answer because (wait for it) it is the truth. You have no responsibility for her filing a lie, though the polite thing to do is inform her how you filed so that she has the opportunity to file an amended return and correct her, um, misstatement.
Beyond that, even if she doesn't change her filing status, there are not likely to be implications for either of you. Unless she has some exotic deductions or earns a gazillion dollars the chances of being audited are remote. Worst case is that the mismatch might generate an automatic letter that will again give her the opportunity to file an amended return. Given your income level, I don't see how there would be any change in tax obligations.
Exactly this. Just file it correctly, and if you want, notify the ex that you filed correctly. It's HIGHLY unlikely anything will come of it even if she keeps her return as-is, but at least your conscience is clear.
Ok. Thanks folks. I'll file M-S and let her know that she may want to amend.
Dr. Hess wrote:
Sorry Curtis, didn't mean to sound _too_ insensitive. I'm also sorry your marriage didn't work out. My point was that divorce usually means "time to move on" and you seem to not be "moving on" in your thought patterns. Call from a corded phone land line. My money is on them telling you to file M-Separate and she should file an amended return. Note that they don't even ask for any ID from you when you call, so don't worry.
Cool, thanks.
And the situation with the wife is intensely complicated. Moving on is unfortunately not an option right now.
something I've read recently … less than 50% of the calls to the IRS are getting through … and quite often, even if you do get through, the advice is wrong … and if you follow that advice and it ends up making your return wrong, YOU, not them are responsible for the interest
wbjones wrote:
something I've read recently … less than 50% of the calls to the IRS are getting through … and quite often, even if you do get through, the advice is wrong … and if you follow that advice and it ends up making your return wrong, YOU, not them are responsible for the interest
True, BUT you have to document the call, including who you talked to, their employee number, the exact advice you were given, etc.
good thing to do …still won't absolve you from the responsibility for any mistakes on your 1040 .. and any penalties / interest that result from the "advice" you receive
This question is really simple. They should be able to get that one right. I mean, it's right there in instructions (Were you married on 12/31/2014?....) Anyway, what my dad does with his tax questions is call them up 3 times and ask the same question each time, then take the best 2 out of 3 answers.
Dr. Hess wrote:
Anyway, what my dad does with his tax questions is call them up 3 times and ask the same question each time, then take the best 2 out of 3 answers.
Our tax dollars at work 
Gotta love it when IRS agents are no more informed than WalMart employees.
curtis73 wrote:
Dr. Hess wrote:
Anyway, what my dad does with his tax questions is call them up 3 times and ask the same question each time, then take the best 2 out of 3 answers.
Our tax dollars at work
Gotta love it when IRS agents are no more informed than WalMart employees.
it's been that way for yrs… just now starting to get noticed
