Asked
How do you decide if you're going to file taxes together with your spouse or separately? Last year was the first year we filed after getting married and our accountant decided to file separately. Trying to do it ourselves this year and wondering about the advantages/disadvantages. Thanks for any insight.
Clint’s answer
Taxes are filed as their own thing whether married, common law, or single. Certain credits can take a hit when you declare you are a couple in your tax forms.
For instance, if one of you had a child prior to a marriage and were declaring as a single parent you would get an eligible dependant credit. Married couples do not get this credit.
February 22, 2025
From Ask Clint: real questions from a Canadian public finance forum, answered by Clint Cole. Names are changed. This is general information, not advice for your situation, and rules and dollar figures may have changed since Clint answered. Terms