If a husband and wife are separated, how should they file their taxes - jointly or individually?
Question Details:
My husband and I separated in June 2009 (he moved out); we got married Sept. 2006. We both work and we don't have any children. The only property that was purchased during our marriage is a vehicle. I bought my home before I met him. I wanted to know how do I file my 2009 taxes? We file 2008 jointly for the first time because he's always had issues with his taxes.
Divorce, Marriage, Alimony Law Answers
You are still married (i.e. not divorced)? Then you can still file jointly if you chose--the law cares about your legal relationship, which is still husband and wife, not your domestic living arrangements. You are not obligated to file jointly--you may file individually. Note though that when you file jointly, you take responsibility for everything on the tax return--even things that you may not, because you are no longer living together, have actual knowledge of.
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