Today TaxMama® hears from Darlene in the TaxQuips Forum with this question. “A couple has filed married filing separately for at least 4 years. About 3 years ago he went into a nursing home. She continue to file married filing separately, preparing his return for him also. The nursing home took just about all his income to pay for his long-term care expenses. He died last year. He accrued outstanding balances each year with the IRS because not enough taxes were withheld from his retirement income. Is the surviving spouse that has been filing separate for years responsible for his tax debt?”

Today TaxMama® hears from Gary in the TaxQuips Forum with a brilliant observation. “I was working on a tax return for a married couple with income too high to receive the $1,000 Child credit. I have found (just recently) that if one of the spouses has a much lower income, or no income, filing them separately will possibly give them an extra $1,000 per child within the IRS definitions. Is there some restrictions or exceptions to this?”

Today TaxMama® hears from Someone Privately with a romantic story. “My client was deeply in love with a woman who was dying of cancer. To demonstrate their love, they got married in July of 2011. She died in February 2012. The problem? She had a lot of tax debt, spanning several years. How do we handle the tax returns without making him liable for all her debts?”

 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.”

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 know if I file jointly this year, will the refund all go to the child support agency? Or will it all go to IRS for my back taxes?”

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 HOH with the same address flag the IRS?”

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 as married, they are coming after me for the tax burden. What can I do?”

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?”

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 claim my son who is disabled and lives at home. I provide for him for over six months of the year.  I pay estimated tax but I don’t think I paid enough.”

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 Schedule A.  What I choose for my 1040 has to be the same on his 1040 is this correct? Can taxes be deducted from Social Security Disability income?”