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Joint vs. Separate Filing Status

Selecting Married Filing Joint vs. Married Filing Separate can have major financial consequences. Let Lothamer help you choose.

How to Decide on Married Filing Jointly vs. Separate

Typically, when a married couple goes to their CPA, accountant, or hired tax preparer to do their tax returns, those returns will be prepared as Married Filing Joint. But there are many situations where choosing this default option could be the worst thing you do by putting your spouse on the line for your tax liability. From saddling your spouse with a large tax balance in the event of your death or divorce, to preventing your children from getting financial aid for college, the best option for taking care of your family may be choosing Married Filing Separate.

At Lothamer Tax Resolution, we’re passionate people who are in this business because we care. We want to see all our clients regain control of their financial health so they can move forward with the things in life that really matter. Our CPAs, tax attorneys, and Enrolled Agents will determine the best filing status for your situation to create the optimal Roadmap to Resolution.

Lothamer Tax Resolution is here to help you protect your family’s financial future. Call us now for same-day tax help!

How We’ve Helped Couples Optimize their Tax Filing

Generally speaking, if you and your spouse cannot fully pay the balances due at the time of filing, we should explore Married Filing Separate status. After all, this type of return can be amended to Married Filing Joint later if need be (within certain time limits), but a Married Filing Joint return can never be amended to Separate, unless your marriage is annulled. We evaluate each situation on a case-by-case basis, taking into account your full IRS transcripts, current financial status, and your tax resolution goals. Married Filing Separate has the potential of allowing one spouse to protect his or her income, assets, and credit score. Furthermore, settling a tax debt for one spouse limits the exposure to that one spouse’s assets and income, not both spouses’ assets and income.

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Tax Resolution Success Stories

Very professional company. From the first phone consultation to the final results, which were outstanding, I was kept up to date on all issues. Andrew Campbell was very helpful with all my questions and concerns. I would highly recommend Lothamer Tax Resolution to anyone for all their tax needs.

Cara S. - Fort Wayne, IN

I was stressed out, overwhelmed, didn’t know where to go, or what to do about my large debt to the IRS. From my first call to Lothamer all the way to my case being completed, I was never judged and the staff made me feel like the situation is fixable, and the results they got me were better than I ever expected!

Samantha P.

I’ve been working with Andrew and he’s very prompt and professional. He’s easy to get ahold of any time I have questions or concerns. Great overall experience.

Jim W. - Indianapolis, IN
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Tax Resolution Success Stories

Tax debt is overwhelming and Lothamer knows how to fix the problem. They walk their clients through the whole process! They are amazing.

Marie B. - Naperville, IL

All of the Lothamer people are so helpful and knowledgeable. We had a lot of issues to clean up and they were quick and thorough. We are breathing easier thanks to them!

Marina B. - South Bend, IN

I can’t say enough about this firm. They took care of that black cloud that was hanging over my head, and did so professionally and communicated with me every step of the way. Not only did they take care of my tax issues they saved me thousands of dollars. Easy to work with, worth every penny and I can’t thank them enough! If I could leave 10 stars I would!

Denny B. - Traverse City, MI
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Your Roadmap to Resolution Starts Here

Within the first 24–72 hours, we can do more than what most other tax firms do in several weeks.

Step
1

CALL OUR OFFICE To Learn More About Our Process For Getting Same Day Tax Help

For a reasonable fee we will call the IRS and Request a Stay on Collection, obtain transcripts as to years unfiled, balances due, and income reported to the IRS, and provide you with a consultation within three days with a licensed attorney, CPA, or Enrolled Agent.

Step
2

MEET WITH A LICENSED CPA, ATTORNEY, OR ENROLLED AGENT and Get Your Roadmap to Resolution

Our meeting with you will be a virtual meeting, using our proprietary video conferencing software, performed in the privacy of your office, home, or vehicle, with a licensed attorney, CPA, or Enrolled Agent to learn about our findings, discuss your options, and provide you with a plan to resolve your tax problem. At this meeting, we will give you an estimated cost for the services to carry out the plan developed.

Step
3

IMPLEMENT THE PLAN Developed in Step 2

Upon accepting the Terms & Conditions in our service agreement as outlined in Step 2, we will immediately go to work solving your tax problem. We will get you set up in our eResolution Client Portal, giving you access to critical deadlines and next steps to view the progress of your case.

You never know when the unexpected may happen. Don’t leave your family in the lurch—start tackling your tax problem TODAY with fast, affordable, and always-available help.Let us get to work immediately on your tax problem. With being in business more than 40 years, and having an A+ rating with the BBB, there is no one with more experience than Lothamer. We’ve seen it all.

DID YOU KNOW: You are not legally required to file joint tax returns, unless ordered to do so by a court of law, and doing so, may result in tax liens and levies against you. Protect your income, assets, and credit by filing Married Filing Separate.

It Pays To Get Current!

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