Can You File Taxes Married Filing Jointly for 2020 if You Got Divorced in October 2020?

Marriage status is a critical factor in determining your tax filing status. If you were married during the tax year, your tax return must reflect that marital status based on specific rules. However, what if you got divorced in October of 2020? Can you file married filing jointly for the year 2020? The answer depends on your date of divorce and the rules surrounding your filing status.

The Importance of Date of Divorce

One of the key factors in determining your tax filing status is the date of your divorce. It’s important to understand how this affects your ability to file jointly for 2020 if you were divorced in October of the same year. For the purposes of tax filing, your marital status is determined based on the last day of the tax year. This means that even if your divorce was finalized in October, your status as of December 31, 2020, is the determining factor.

Specific Rules for Tax Filing Status After a Divorce

According to the IRS, if you were divorced in October of 2020, you cannot file a joint tax return for the year 2020. The general rule is that you must file as married filing jointly only if you were legally married as of December 31 of the year you are filing. This rule ensures that the tax return reflects the complete situation of the household at the end of the tax year.

Impact of Filing Jointly After Divorce

Filing jointly with your former spouse can have significant tax implications, especially regarding deductions, credits, and what is considered as household income. If you file jointly despite a divorce, you may end up owing the IRS or being refunded less than you expected. This is because joint returns are based on the combined income of both parties, which may not reflect your current financial situation.

Understanding the IRS Rules on Divorced Couples

The IRS has specific guidelines for divorced couples in situations where one or both parties may still be legally married when filing taxes. These guidelines ensure that the correct tax return is filed, avoiding any financial discrepancies or legal issues. If you got divorced in October 2020 and are considering filing jointly for 2020, you must carefully evaluate your status as of December 31, 2020.

What to Do If You’ve Already Filmed Jointly for 2020

If you realize that you have already filed a joint tax return for 2020 and you did so if you got divorced in October, you may need to amend your return. Amending your tax return can be necessary if your marital status has changed between the time you filed the original return and the time it was due. The IRS allows taxpayers to file amended returns even after the original filing deadline.

Steps to Amend Your Tax Return

Amending a tax return is a straightforward process, but it’s important to follow the specific steps to ensure that the changes are processed accurately. Here are the general steps:

Collect all necessary documents: Before amending your return, gather all the documents and information you will need, including your original tax return, W-2 forms, tax credits you may have claimed, and any other relevant documents. Use the IRS Form 104: Download and complete IRS Form 104, which is the official form to amend your tax return. You can find this form on the IRS website. Prepare the amended return: Fill in all the required information on the amended return. Make sure to indicate why you are amending the return and what changes you are making. File the amendment: Once your amended return is complete, file it with the IRS through the IRS website or by mail. If you file electronic, make sure to use your correct TIN and select the correct option to amend a previous return. Be patient: The IRS may take some time to process your amended return. It’s a good idea to keep track of the process and be prepared for any correspondence from the IRS.

Conclusion

The ability to file taxes as married filing jointly is heavily dependent on the date you are legally divorced. If you got divorced in October 2020, you cannot file jointly for 2020. Amending your return may be necessary if you have already filed jointly. Understanding these rules is crucial for ensuring accurate and timely tax filing and avoiding potential disputes with the IRS.