A surprising number of clients are currently going through a divorce this tax season. Both sides have been asking all sorts of questions. Usually about the others income, probably at the behest of their attorney.
All of these clients are still filing joint returns, again this is unusual. Communications have broken down to where we presented to each party separately, but they were each to pay half of the fee.
The savings were there, filing joint saved on tax dollars.
A couple of issues seemed to be standard. Both parties, under withheld and there was a federal tax liability and occasionally a state liability. Of which neither wants to pay.
If you are thinking of getting a divorce, don’t screw around with your withholding. Don’t do all of the things your attorney suggests that you know to not be truly ethical. Their interests and your own do not always align. Be smart about as many aspects of the divorce as you can, try to remain civil. I understand this is an emotional time, but you both cared for one another at some point. Hold onto those memories, if possible.