TL;DR
A separated couple needs to file taxes as ‘Married Filing Separately’ or ‘Married Filing Jointly’ even if they’re living apart. Filing as ‘Single’ when still married is a foul, but the IRS is usually understanding and helps fix mistakes.
Story
Imagine taxes as a team sport, like a basketball game where you and your spouse are supposed to play together. You can choose to play as a single unit (Married Filing Jointly) or as separate players on the same team (Married Filing Separately). But even if you’re separated, you’re still technically on the same team until the divorce referee (the legal system) makes it official.
In this story, the husband tried to play as a ‘Single’ player even though he was still on the ‘Married’ team. That’s against the rules! It’s like trying to join a different basketball team without officially leaving your current one.
Now, the wife is wondering how to play the game correctly. She’s got two options:
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Play Separately (Married Filing Separately): She can file her taxes as ‘Married Filing Separately,’ acknowledging she’s on the ‘Married’ team but playing her own game. This is like playing on the same court as your spouse, but each keeping track of your own points.
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Convince Her Husband to Fix the Game (Amend and File Jointly): The ideal scenario is for the husband to realize his mistake and ‘amend’ his return, switching from ‘Single’ to ‘Married Filing Jointly.’ This is like the husband realizing he’s on the wrong team and rejoining his spouse. Playing jointly often has better tax advantages, like getting more points for teamwork!
The good news is, the tax referee (IRS) is understanding. They just want everyone to play by the rules eventually. If someone makes a mistake, they’re usually happy to help them fix it. Just be prepared for some potential penalties for not following the rules initially.
This story teaches us that even if a couple is separated, they still need to play by the ‘Married’ rules until they officially divorce. The wife should file as ‘Married Filing Separately’ and consider talking to her husband about amending his return. Understanding the tax ‘game’ can help you avoid fouls and penalties!
Advice
If you’re separated but not legally divorced, you still need to file taxes as either ‘Married Filing Jointly’ or ‘Married Filing Separately’. Don’t try to play the ‘Single’ card—it’s a tax foul!