Should I file joint or single?

CW2(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 20:58:12 -0400

My soon to be ex wife and I are talking about filing taxes together one last time this season. we lived together more than 6 months and have 2 children together. Obviously I know it would be more beneficial to me since I would no longer qualify for EITC not being the custodial parent. Should we just do it together and split? Or would it be best for each of us to file separately?

Response by PFC Jonathan Albano made Aug 15 at 2017 9:04 PM

PFC Jonathan Albano — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 21:04:07 -0400

This would be a good question to aim at a professional, however, I would file joint if it makes financial sense for both of you to do so.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2017 11:45 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 23:45:11 -0400

It would get you more back however it may cause you and her some problems. I would do it with great caution.

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made Aug 16 at 2017 10:07 AM

SSG Richard Reilly — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 10:07:10 -0400

Talk to your attorney.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Aug 16 at 2017 11:13 AM

SP5 Peter Keane — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 11:13:59 -0400

You must be married on 31 Dec to file jointly.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Aug 16 at 2017 11:24 AM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 11:24:15 -0400

I would go to a tax professional with this.
This is from Turbo Tax:

"Your marital status at the end of the year determines how you file your tax return. If you were divorced by midnight on December 31 of the tax year, you will file separately from your former spouse. If you are the custodial parent for your children, you may qualify for the favorable head of household status."

http://blog.turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/divorce-and-taxes-4018/

10 Things You Need to Know About Divorce and Taxes

Divorce may not be as inevitable as taxes, but it certainly brings complications to tax filing. Follow these ten tips, and the process should go smoothly in the future. Once your divorce questions …