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If you are receiving social security benefits your filing status is MFS (married filing separate) on your 1040 federal tax return 85% of your SSB will be taxable income to you and would be added to all of your other gross worldwide income and taxed at your marginal tax rate.

Usually it is more beneficial to file as married filing joint than it is to file as married filing separate. To answer your question you will have to prepare a return both ways using the correct standard deduction for each filing status and if one itemizes the other should itemize also as the others standard deduction is -0-. If you do not itemize then the standard deduction for each is $5,700 for 2009.

For more information go to the IRS gov website and use the search box for the publication and tax topic. Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information Tax Topic 353, What is your filing status Publication 504 , Divorced or Separated Individuals

And if you live in a community property state you could have other considerations to think about.

You may be able to claim itemized deductions on a separate return for certain expenses that you paid separately or jointly with your spouse. Deductible expenses that are paid out of separate funds, such as medical expenses, are deductible by the spouse who pays them. If these expenses are paid from community funds, the deduction may depend on whether or not you live in a community property state. In a community property state, the deduction is, generally, divided equally between you and your spouse. For more information refer to Publication 555, Community Property.

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What tax form do you need if married filing separately with claiming dependents?

You can use a 1040 or a 1040A if you are filing Married Filing Separately.


Is better filing jointly with a spouse or separately?

If you are married, you can legally on file in two ways, Married Filing Joint and Married Filing Separate. Married Filing Separate excluded you from getting any tax credits and you only get half of the Standard Exemption. I have never seen a case where Married Filing Separately was better. Married Filing Separately also requires you to include your spouses social security number on your return. If you are married but legally separated for at least the last six months of the calendar year you can file as if you are not married. This means you can file as Single, Married Filing Separately, or Head of Household.


Can you claim your wife as a dependent on your taxes if you file separately?

No. If you are Married Filing Separately, then you only can claim your personal exemption. Your wife's personal exemption only can be claimed by her if you're Married Filing Separately. Your spouse, whether filing jointly or separately, can't be considered your dependent.


What is the difference between filing Head of Household and filing married filing separately?

Married Filing Separately is somewhat penalized as you get the single Standard Deduction and you are disqualified from getting any most tax credits like Earned Income Credit and the Child Tax Credit. However, if you are married on December 31st of the tax year, you are required to file either Married Filing Joint or Married Filing Separately. The only exception to this is if you are legally separated by a Court Judge and have been for the last half of the tax year or more.


You and your wife are separated can you file single?

Not as long as you are still legally married on the last day of the year. Married filing jointly or Married filing separately. NOT as a single taxpayer.

Related Questions

What is the difference between married filing separately and single tax filing status?

The main difference between married filing separately and single tax filing status is that married filing separately is for married individuals who choose to file their taxes separately, while single tax filing status is for individuals who are not married or are legally separated. Married filing separately may have different tax implications compared to filing as single, such as different tax brackets and deductions.


What tax form do you need if married filing separately with claiming dependents?

You can use a 1040 or a 1040A if you are filing Married Filing Separately.


If I file married filing separately, am I responsible for my spouse's debt?

Filing married filing separately does not make you responsible for your spouse's debt. Each spouse is responsible for their own debts when filing separately.


Is better filing jointly with a spouse or separately?

If you are married, you can legally on file in two ways, Married Filing Joint and Married Filing Separate. Married Filing Separate excluded you from getting any tax credits and you only get half of the Standard Exemption. I have never seen a case where Married Filing Separately was better. Married Filing Separately also requires you to include your spouses social security number on your return. If you are married but legally separated for at least the last six months of the calendar year you can file as if you are not married. This means you can file as Single, Married Filing Separately, or Head of Household.


Is it possible for me to file my taxes as married but separately?

Yes, it is possible for married individuals to file their taxes separately as "Married Filing Separately" instead of jointly.


Can you claim your wife as a dependent on your taxes if you file separately?

No. If you are Married Filing Separately, then you only can claim your personal exemption. Your wife's personal exemption only can be claimed by her if you're Married Filing Separately. Your spouse, whether filing jointly or separately, can't be considered your dependent.


What is the difference between married filing jointly and married filing separately on a W-4 form?

The main difference between married filing jointly and married filing separately on a W-4 form is how couples choose to report their income and deductions to the IRS. When married filing jointly, both spouses combine their income and deductions on one tax return. When married filing separately, each spouse reports their income and deductions on separate tax returns.


Does a married couple have to file taxes together legally?

No, you can file married filing jointly or you can file married filing separately


Do you have to change your status on taxes from single to married when you get married?

If you were married as of December 31, you file as either 'married filing separately' or 'married filing joint' for that year.


In Pennsylvania can you file federal taxes married filing jointly and can you file the state and local as married filing separately?

yes.


What are the differences between filing taxes as married filing separately and married filing jointly on a W4 form?

When filing taxes as married filing separately, each spouse reports their own income and deductions separately. This can result in higher tax rates and fewer tax benefits. When filing jointly, both spouses combine their income and deductions, potentially resulting in lower tax rates and more tax benefits.


Can I file as single on my taxes if I am married?

No, you cannot file as single on your taxes if you are married. You must file as either married filing jointly or married filing separately.