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Yes that is the way that it should be done to make sure that the tax return is prepared correctly and each taxpayer signs the income tax return after it is completed correctly

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Q: If filing taxes jointly do you both have to be present?
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How much can you earn in 2009 before you file taxes?

The minimum income required to file US. income taxes for tax year 2009 depends on your age and what your filing status is: If single and under 65, you must file taxes if you earn $9,350. If single and 65 or older, you must file taxes if you earn $10,750. If married filing jointly, with both spouses under 65, you must file if you earn $18,700. If married filing jointly, with one spouse 65 or older, you must file if you earn $19,800. If married filing jointly, with both spouses 65 or older, you must file if you earn $20,900. If married but filing separately, any age, you must file if you earn only $3,650. If filing as head of household and under 65, you must file if you earn $12,000. If filing as head of household and 65 or older, you must file if you earn $13,400. If you are a qualifying widower with a dependent child and under 65, you must file if you earn $15,050. If you are a qualifying widower with a dependent child and 65 or older, you must file if you earn $16,150.


Your wife only worked 6-8 months out of the year can you claim her on your taxes an can she file her own return?

While each situation is unique, you would both be best served by filing jointly which effectively does all you ask.


Husband dies leaves unpaid income taxes filing jointly is wife responsible if there is no estate in Indiana?

Joint filers are both responsible for the entire tax bill. If the unpaid taxes are from a year that the couple filed jointly, the wife is fully responsible for any unpaid taxes unless she can meet the qualifications for innocent spouse relief. After the filing deadline, a joint return cannot be amended to separate returns. If there are unpaid taxes from 2008, the wife can still file a separate return for 2008. If a joint return has been filed for 2008, they have until April 15, 2009 to amend.


What if your spouse refuses to pay taxes on earned income?

I suggest not filing a joint return. Using the Married Filing Separately filing status will not allow you to claim some tax benefits and you won't have the benefits of combining your income, but it will save you if your spouse is audited. If you file jointly, you will be fully responsible for the taxes on the omitted income. Filing a joint return creates something called "joint & several liability" which means you are both responsible for the entire tax liability, even if it's later adjusted because one spouse omitted income or committed tax evasion. Read IRS Publication 971 to find out the difficulty of not being held responsible for your spouse's actions. That's why I recommend not filing a joint return with your spouse. The benefits will not be worth the cost if they are caught evading taxes.


Does getting married help on taxes?

Getting married often helps reduce the tax burden provided that you file a joint return. Whereas a single tax payer will receive a $5,450 standard deduction, a married couple filing jointly receives a $10,900 for 2008. Of course the fact that filing jointly tends to reduce the tax burden is a general rule, you should check with a competent accountant for your specific circumstances in order to verify that it is in your best interest to file this way. If you prepare your own returns there are some softwares that will automatically calculate both joint and separate filing for you to decide the best way to file. One of the downsides of filing joint returns is in the case where there is a tax liability, in which case both spouses become liable. Hope this helps. Roger Hadad, Effectur Inc, www.irs101.blogspot.com

Related questions

If you are in a common law marriage in Oklahoma should you file taxes as head of household?

If Oklahoma recognizes common law marriage, and you both present yourselves as husband and wife, you need to file married filing jointly or married filing separately. Head of household filing status is for single or divorced persons who have a qualifying child.


How do you file your taxes if your spouse is in jail?

Any married person has the option of filing as "Married filing separately" which requires no reporting or signature of the spouse. You can also still file as "Married filing jointly" if you both wish to do so as long as you can get the spouse's signature.


How much can you earn in 2009 before you file taxes?

The minimum income required to file US. income taxes for tax year 2009 depends on your age and what your filing status is: If single and under 65, you must file taxes if you earn $9,350. If single and 65 or older, you must file taxes if you earn $10,750. If married filing jointly, with both spouses under 65, you must file if you earn $18,700. If married filing jointly, with one spouse 65 or older, you must file if you earn $19,800. If married filing jointly, with both spouses 65 or older, you must file if you earn $20,900. If married but filing separately, any age, you must file if you earn only $3,650. If filing as head of household and under 65, you must file if you earn $12,000. If filing as head of household and 65 or older, you must file if you earn $13,400. If you are a qualifying widower with a dependent child and under 65, you must file if you earn $15,050. If you are a qualifying widower with a dependent child and 65 or older, you must file if you earn $16,150.


Your wife only worked 6-8 months out of the year can you claim her on your taxes an can she file her own return?

While each situation is unique, you would both be best served by filing jointly which effectively does all you ask.


Husband dies leaves unpaid income taxes filing jointly is wife responsible if there is no estate in Indiana?

Joint filers are both responsible for the entire tax bill. If the unpaid taxes are from a year that the couple filed jointly, the wife is fully responsible for any unpaid taxes unless she can meet the qualifications for innocent spouse relief. After the filing deadline, a joint return cannot be amended to separate returns. If there are unpaid taxes from 2008, the wife can still file a separate return for 2008. If a joint return has been filed for 2008, they have until April 15, 2009 to amend.


The Pros and Cons of Married Filing Jointly?

Married taxpayers have the option of submitting separate or joint tax returns. The married filing jointly option lowers your tax obligation more than filing separately. Your standard deductions for this filing status are generally higher. You may also be eligible for tax benefits that aren't allowed for other filing categories. This filing status is usually best when one spouse's income is significantly higher than the other spouse's income. If both individuals work and qualify for large itemized deductions, it can be beneficial to file separately. Each taxpayer must determine the best option for their situation. Tax laws can be very complicated. You should contact an experienced tax professional for advice for assistance filing your taxes. To qualify for this filing status, you must be legally married prior to the end of the year. The couple must agree to jointly file and sign the income tax return that includes all income, deductions and credits. Your signature indicates that you each accept responsibility for the thoroughness and accuracy of the document. This means that the IRS can hold both spouses individually or jointly responsible for taxes, interest and penalties due on the joint return. These means that one spouse can be held liable for all the taxes even if the other spouse was the one who earned the income and understated the taxes. The agency can release you from this tax liability if you had no knowledge of the error and did not materially benefit from the mistake. Check with a professional tax preparer for more information on equitable relief, separation of liability or innocent spouse relief. The IRS permits you to file one last joint return for the year in which your spouse died. According to the IRS, you are considered married the entire year. In subsequent years, you are allowed to file as a single taxpayer, head of household or surviving spouse. The benefit of filing a separate return is that you are not jointly liable for your spouse's taxes. It is generally more beneficial for taxpayers to file jointly.


As a retired couple living in France what joint income can you have before paying tax?

Married filing a joint income tax return Self-employed, any age: more than 400 of net profit from the business operation.MFJ both under the age of 65 for the 2009 tax year the amount was 18700.Married, filing jointly, one spouse over 65: $19,850Married, filing jointly, both spouses over 65: $20,900Excluding social security benefits.


What if your spouse refuses to pay taxes on earned income?

I suggest not filing a joint return. Using the Married Filing Separately filing status will not allow you to claim some tax benefits and you won't have the benefits of combining your income, but it will save you if your spouse is audited. If you file jointly, you will be fully responsible for the taxes on the omitted income. Filing a joint return creates something called "joint & several liability" which means you are both responsible for the entire tax liability, even if it's later adjusted because one spouse omitted income or committed tax evasion. Read IRS Publication 971 to find out the difficulty of not being held responsible for your spouse's actions. That's why I recommend not filing a joint return with your spouse. The benefits will not be worth the cost if they are caught evading taxes.


How can you do your state taxes if you don't know your wife's income since you have been separated for over a year?

File seperatley, not jointly..both Fed & State


A public program that is jointly funded jointly administered and jointly determined by both state and national government is an example of?

A public program that is jointly funded jointly administered and jointly determined by both state and national government is an example of cooperative federalism.


Can one person file for a marriage license?

No, both people must be present when filing for the marriage license.


Does getting married help on taxes?

Getting married often helps reduce the tax burden provided that you file a joint return. Whereas a single tax payer will receive a $5,450 standard deduction, a married couple filing jointly receives a $10,900 for 2008. Of course the fact that filing jointly tends to reduce the tax burden is a general rule, you should check with a competent accountant for your specific circumstances in order to verify that it is in your best interest to file this way. If you prepare your own returns there are some softwares that will automatically calculate both joint and separate filing for you to decide the best way to file. One of the downsides of filing joint returns is in the case where there is a tax liability, in which case both spouses become liable. Hope this helps. Roger Hadad, Effectur Inc, www.irs101.blogspot.com