filing MFJ vs. MFS (split topic)

[rodriguezhiraldo 7]

Nope, there is nothing that you have to do once he immigrates here.

However, the MFS choice will mean a big tax bill. Bigger than when you were single.

If money is not an issue (meaning you don't need your tax refund to live on), then I would file MFS. Once he gets here and has an SSN, amend your return to MFJ. As long as you were married on Dec. 31, 2015, you can amend to file jointly even if he gets his visa in 2016 or afterwards.

Thank you for all this information. Although it was not directed to me, I have a question. I am in the same situation as my beneficiary is over seas and has never been in the USA. I don’t have much income here in the us and hen I file I get maybe 1 or 2 thousand in refund- which is okay with me. However, this time I need to file my taxes as married. I understand that filing Jointly will give me a bigger refund but my question is. If I file MFS – will I get less of a refund that I usually have every year. Im a full time student, part time worker. Just asking for an opinion I know each situation is different.

Thanks.

[Ryan H 3,812]

Post split into separate topic as poster is asking their own question instead of replying to the OP of the other thread. Please start your own thread with your own questions instead of hijacking threads started by other members.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Thank you for all this information. Although it was not directed to me, I have a question. I am in the same situation as my beneficiary is over seas and has never been in the USA. I dont have much income here in the us and hen I file I get maybe 1 or 2 thousand in refund- which is okay with me. However, this time I need to file my taxes as married. I understand that filing Jointly will give me a bigger refund but my question is. If I file MFS will I get less of a refund that I usually have every year. Im a full time student, part time worker. Just asking for an opinion I know each situation is different.

Thanks.

Single and Married Separate should be about the same.

[aaron2020 11,651]

Thank you for all this information. Although it was not directed to me, I have a question. I am in the same situation as my beneficiary is over seas and has never been in the USA. I don’t have much income here in the us and hen I file I get maybe 1 or 2 thousand in refund- which is okay with me. However, this time I need to file my taxes as married. I understand that filing Jointly will give me a bigger refund but my question is. If I file MFS – will I get less of a refund that I usually have every year. Im a full time student, part time worker. Just asking for an opinion I know each situation is different.

Thanks.

Here are the rules and the real life consequences to you.

The bottom line is that your tax liabilities and refund should not change that much. You may lose out on a few credits, like the EITC.

Generally, MSF will result in higher taxes than filing as Single. This is due to the tax brackets and MFS having a more compress brackets than Single. However the first two brackets for MFS and Single are the same. For those with taxable income below approx $37,000, there is no difference between filing MFS and Single.

Since your income is less than $37,000, your tax situation will not change much from Single to MFS.

When your wife gets to the US, you can amend your tax return to get file jointly. This will get you a bigger refund than filing as Single.

Best of luck

[butterflies0124 8]

I filed as Head of Household, which doesn't specify if Married. You can always ask your tax preparer, too.

[aaron2020 11,651]

I filed as Head of Household, which doesn't specify if Married. You can always ask your tax preparer, too.

Head of Household requires the taxpayer to be supporting a qualifying person. OP has not mentioned supporting anyone.