Approximately 95% of married couples file joint tax returns. There is a strong knee-jerk reaction to file jointly, and tax return preparers may assume that’s what you want because most people do. Yet that simple step makes each spouse liable for everything on the return–and anything that might not be on the return.
Joint filing can be more convenient, and can usually save you money compared to separate filings. However, a joint tax return means that both spouses are on the hook for any mistakes. You may have heard that if you get into hot water over something your spouse did—perhaps you didn’t know your spouse was gambling or hiding income—you can claim ‘innocent spouse’ treatment. It is true that in some cases, you may be able to claim innocent spouse relief.
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