MFJ Couple where one spouse is under 75k and wants to get the 1200

there's a reason he left her...………………...

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@wahcpa wrote:

Now the fun part.  The wife asked if we can file MFS for 2018 and 2019 so she can be eligible for the 1200 payment.  I don't believe this is possible unless both parties agree since they would need to split the itemized deductions they had jointly for their residence.

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Actually, it's the other way round.  MFS is the default.  MFJ is an election, which both spouses have to agree to.

Once you have filed your tax return as Married Filing Joint (MFJ), you CANNOT amend your filing status to MFS after the due date of the return. 

So 2018 is out of play.

2019 you could amend, BUT nobody is processing paper returns at IRS right now, so you're out of luck with that plan too.

So if this is all about the stimulus, you're just spinning your wheels.

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@wahcpa wrote:

divorce which was finalized in 2020. 

 

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It is 2020 credit.  If her income still qualifies in 2020, she'll get it on her 2020 tax return.  So why try to mess with prior tax returns?

"They were barely talking!"

I've never seen more than "barely" as a requirement in the regulations, though. They obviously talked enough to Sign their return.