A Taxing Look at Marriage, Gender and Divorce

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Q. My wife refuses to sign our joint income tax return, just because our marriage may be going down the tubes. What can I do?

A. A joint return must be signed by both spouses, even if only one had income. Because your wife refuses to sign a joint return, you must each file a separate return if either had income of $2,450 or more for 1994.

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Q. If I file separately, claiming all the itemized deductions, can my husband file using the standard deduction for nonitemizers?

A. No. Both spouses must use the same method of handling deductions. If you itemize, so must your husband.

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