Filing Status

Nursing Home Costs

January 11, 2012

 Today TaxMama hears from Susan in the TaxQuips Forum with an ever more common  situation. “My dad (age 88) is in a nursing home because my mom can no longer care for him. I wanted to know which nursing home expenses are considered medical expenses.”  

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Back Taxes and Child Support

November 8, 2011

Today TaxMama hears from Krissy in the TaxQuips Forum who needs help. “I am married with two children, low income and my husband owes back child support. Last year I filed separately and ended up owing taxes. I had to set up a payment plan with the IRS to pay it off. I’d like to [...]

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2 Heads of Households

September 19, 2011

Today TaxMama hears from Nora in the Tax Quips Forum with a common situation. “Two single taxpayers decide to share a home (let’s say a rental) and each has qualifying children.  Each maintains their own family expenses and share equally the cost of household expenses.  Can each claim HOH status? If so, would claiming two [...]

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Really Innocent Spouse

August 23, 2011

Today TaxMama hears from Fred in the TaxQuips Forum, with this problem. “My ex-wife and I were legally divorced in Sept. 2008.  For the tax year 2008, she filed as married, filing jointly.  She withdrew her entire 401(k) fund and was penalized for early withdrawal.  She now owes the IRS over $10,000. Because she filed [...]

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Separated

August 22, 2011

  Today TaxMama hears from Michael in the TaxQuips Forum, with a brief question. “My wife and I are separated, although not legally. May I file a 2009 and 2010 tax return separately? Can it later be amended to jointly?”  

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Filing Frustrations

August 4, 2011

  Today TaxMama hears from Myra in the TaxQuips Forum with lots of questions. “I filed an extension. How should I file at year end? Single, married but filing at a single rate, or jointly.  My husband receives Social Security disability. I file from a K-1.  I have large amounts of deductions.  I also can [...]

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Bride Files Alone

June 22, 2011

Today TaxMama hears from Nancy in the TaxQuips Forum with several questions.  “I am to be married this year. I am going to file as married, filing separately (MFS).  Can I claim my husband since he is disabled and collecting social security disability? Also I understand that I cannot mix the standard deduction and itemizing on [...]

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Just in time for Valentine’s Day – Taxes for Partners!

February 11, 2011

Partners’ Filing Status Varies Federal to State, and State to State Courtesy of CCH – This article is SO important for all domestic partners to read! (RIVERWOODS, ILL., February 11, 2011) – Whether opposite-sex or same-sex marriage, civil union or domestic partnership, your relationship can have tax consequences, according to CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business [...]

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Getting Married Now or Later

November 29, 2010

Today TaxMama hears from Robyn in the TaxQuips Forum, who needs to make a decision. Essentially, it boils down to should my boyfriend and I get married this year or not, in order to get the best tax advantage. They have a child together – and one that is just hers. Read the details here. [...]

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Rules of Divorce

October 7, 2010

Today TaxMama  is watching a discussion in the TaxQuips Forum. It’s about what happens after a divorce and the family is fighting over who gets to claim the child as a dependent.

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