Tax returns when married

[Scarey]

Can someone file their tax returns seperately?...even if you are still married?What information is a "must have" for your tax return of your spouses to be able to file without her help or participation? long story short.It's been about 3 years since I filed now and I've had enough and am wondering if there are any"solo" options for filing a "married" tax return?Any information would be appreciated.

 

[peeler_feeler]

All Canadian Tax returns are filed separately married or not. The information you require from your spouse if you indicate you are married or common-law, is their net income (Line 236) from their return. If you don't know the exact amount you can estimate.

 

[TeasePlease]

The reason for the spousal info is to calculate credits and make sure you don't double-dip on those. The safe thing to do is to simply not claim any (personal, HST, etc.)

Are you separated? Have you been for 3 years?

 

[GPIDEAL]

Personal tax return software permits couples to 'uncouple' the joint preparation of their individual returns.

A good example is for a deceased spouse.

Sometimes, I will prepare one when the other doesn't have their info ready but use a reasonable estimate for their spouse's net income. However, changes in net income or family income might affect both due to the sensitivity of certain credits or benefit programs subject to income thresholds.

('Coupling' of married individuals' returns permits the software to optimize the allocation of certain income and credits, as well as offer advice after a diagnostic review).

 

[GPIDEAL]

The reason for the spousal info is to calculate credits and make sure you don't double-dip on those. The safe thing to do is to simply not claim any (personal, HST, etc.)

Are you separated? Have you been for 3 years?

@ Scarey: TeasePlease asks a valid question here because I believe there are special rules or options for separated individuals.