? about filing tax returns?
Answer:
Since you are now married, you can either file jointly or separately. The date of the marriage is irrelevant. You can run the numbers to see which way results in a larger refund.
However, in either case, you will not be eligible to claim Earned Income Credit for two reasons. First, if you file jointly, you make too much money. Second, if you file separately, EIC is not available for people that file married filing separately.
Another thing to consider, if you file separately, if one spouse itemizes their deductions, then the other spouse must itemize their deductions even if the deductions are less than the standard deduction.
It would have been better if you didn't get married. This way, you would have been able to file the way that you asked.
As long as you are married as of the last day of the year, you are not allowed to file as single - you can file married filing joint or married filing separately. If you file separately, you aren't allowed to claim the earned income credit.
On preliminary scan of the information you provided, I would say Married Filing Jointly because of the 2 good reasons pointed out by the preceding answers.
Often, you're more likely to minimize your tax bill or increase your refund by filing jointly. But keep in mind, if you file separately you have to BOTH itemize, which is tricky if you plan to divy up the deductions, And you forfeit some key credits and deductions, including the:
Earned income tax credit (EITC)<-- a very important one
Child and dependent care credit
Adoption expenses credit
Hope and lifetime education credits
Qualified tuition deduction
Student loan interest deduction
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