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!

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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.

Tax Resolution Success Stories

Lothamer is customer focused and the Lothamer people work hard to solve their clients problems and seek the best solution possible. Lothamer had made a difference in my life by helping with tax problems that lasted over a decade. I will strongly recommend Lothamer to anyone that needs help with tax issues.

Ken - Grand Rapids, MI

From my initial consultation with Jesse Lothamer I knew I was dealing with a highly professional, well organized and competent organization. My case manager is a bright, cordial, and knows the IRS inside and out, efficient, and effective. I am continuing with Lothamer because I want the best to represent me. I see no way to improve upon an already wonderful organization.

Bruce - Okemos, MI

Lothamer’s helped us out of a bad circumstance. They were very professional and response time was incredible!!!!

Kathy C. - Peoria, IL

Tax Resolution Success Stories

When U first contacted Lothamer I saw no way out of my situation. The professionalism experience and knowledge upon first meeting put my mind at ease and after 3 years of working knowing my settlement was finally to come to terms the fear and weight of my shoulders in priceless.

Sharon - Spring Lake, MI

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 had not filed taxes for more than ten years and Lothamer helped me with a tax payment plan that got my tax burden reduced. I would recommend anyone to get in touch with them. Most rewarding feeling.

Pierre C. - Southfield, MI

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.

Learn More About the Lothamer Advantage

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!

CALL LOTHAMER NOW!