Extension Dilemma (sp)

[S T]

H/W going thru divorce, which is not final until 1/06. They can't make up their minds as to how they are filing for 2005, M/S, HOH (lived apart all year) has 2 kids, or MJ.

The husband does not want the soon to be ex spouse to participate in his estimated tax payments unless they file MJ return.

So would it be better to file his extension on his own in case they don't file MJ and she files her own extension as well.

Does it matter that there will not be a joint extension?

Sandy

[Bees Knees]

Sandy, this is the point where you need to separate the engagement. You can only represent the interest of one party. Do not let them put you in the middle of their divorce.

Figure out which spouse you will represent and ONLY represent that spouse. If you represent the husband, then suggest that he should file a MFS extension and pay estimated taxes based on a MFS filing status. If he later decides to file joint with his soon to be ex wife, fine. That is OK. But that would be easier than filing a joint extension and joint estimates, and then try to split it up after as MFS returns.

[Bird Legs]

extension dilemma

You cannot go from MFJ to MFS. You can go from MFS to MFJ.

[veritas]

As soon as I become aware of marital problems and taxpayer is making estimated payments. I change estimates to the taxpayer actually making the payments and drop the spouse from the estimated coupon. Even if I suspect there may be a problem I don't make joint estimated tax payments.

[S T]

Separate Extensions

Thanks Bees, this is what I thought, but wanted to make sure that T/P was okay if they filed separate extension forms and they later ended up filing a married joint return.

Sandy