AWOL spouse

[LindaK]

This is a new client. His wife left in August; he has their young daughter with him. Wife had only $45 on a W-2, and he wants to file MFJ, but doesn't know her whereabouts to get her signature. If he files separately, his refund will go down by $1800. Is there any provision for such a situation?

[Possi]

Hoh?

If he files HOH he will still lose $1800?

If he can't get her signature, she can't be on the return as far as I can tell. Who knows, maybe he got rid of her and still wants to claim her to hide the fact that she is under the concrete patio!

Yikes!
I've been working too long......

[GIMoe]

Not Eligible

If he files HOH he will still lose $1800?

Can't file file as HoH if married and lived with spouse at any time during the last six months of the year.

[ChEAr$]

only way

for the OP; MFS is the only way to file at this time. Not a matter of having to lose 1800$;
it's just the law as congress wrote it years ago.

When and IF she ever rejoins, they might consider filing an amended return.

[LindaK]

Thanks

I hadn't thought of the option to amend to a joint return when/if she reappears. Thanks!