Hatrack River Forum: One more tax question for KPC

This is topic One more tax question for KPC in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
http://www.hatrack.com/ubb/main/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=055100

Posted by RivalOfTheRose (Member # 11535) on :

Thanks for the help KQ and KPC!

Last year my fiance(now wife) filed separately. She claimed the house interest on Schedule A, and I took a standard deduction.

I received 162 back from the state, and my wife 70.

This year, we are filing jointly. We think my wife has to report hers because she itemized last year, but do I because I did not? Or because we are filing together do we have to report both.

Thanks again, you guys are great.

Posted by KetchupPrinceConsort (Member # 8047) on :

Correct, you report the 70, not the 162. The reason is that she received a tax benefit by itemizing and claiming state taxes paid as an itemized deduction.

Posted by RivalOfTheRose (Member # 11535) on :

So it doesn't matter that we are filing jointly this year, but not last?

Thank you again!

Posted by KetchupPrinceConsort (Member # 8047) on :

As long as you were legally married by December 31, 2008, you can file jointly and only report the 70 and it will not be a problem.