Tax filing problem, we got married in October......?

Dear K: In most cases MFJ (joint) is best. Try H&R Block free calculator on line (hrblock.com) and see the difference MFJ vs. MFS. Since you were married on Dec. 31 the IRS says you were married all year. Soc Sec benefits maybe taxable see www.ssa.gov.

This advice was prepared based on our understanding of the tax law in effect at the time it was written as it applies to the facts that you provide. Click on my profile to read more.

Errol Quinn Enrolled Agent Master Tax Advisor

General rule...do the math = what was hub's income for the year? That will give you a clue if you are liable for the SS benefits.

I know, it is a total pain in the butt to try to do some of this. Go to freetaxusa.com or some of those other programs, plug in the figures and see what it says.

I am guessing you will need to file - but whether single or married - you need to run the figures first to see. Married/Joint is about one of the best ways to go. If you file separate, then hub has to also...so he gets hit at the single rate.

Please use one of these free tax programs first. It is a bit of typing, but it is worth it. If you do not like that, find H&R Block, Hewitt-Jackson, whomever...a good CPA (but be prepared to pay for a CPA).

You should try married filing joint and separately and see which comes out best in your case. MFJ almost always does. Your SS may be taxable depending on how much your and his other income is.

You can file a joint return, or married filing separately. Whether you file separately or joint, his income could affect whether some of your SSDI is taxable. And yes you'd use his income for the entire year to calculate it.

Congratulations, you are married.

Your choices are MFJ (both incomes) or MFS.

If you file MFS with SSA disability benefits, you do not include his income, but if you lived together at all (which you clearly did), 85% of your benefits are added to your taxable income. If this pushes you over $3500, you need to file.