Another common line of questioning I get during tax season comes from married couples who are unsure of how to file their returns after one spouse had filed bankruptcy. Whether the spouse entered a Chapter 13 or Chapter 7 bankruptcy before or after the wedding, it is once again strongly recommended that you speak with a Washington DC or Maryland bankruptcy lawyer to ensure that you understand all of your options.
While filing jointly may provide a more sizable tax refund for a married couple, it is even more important to determine how the trustee will be handling the refund. Some trustees may take the portion of the bankrupt spouse, but other trustees may take any refund amount that exceeds the original exemptions. A Maryland or Washington DC bankruptcy attorney can contact your trustee to determine how he or she will handle the tax refund, but if the trustee does not provide a straightforward answer, it may be wisest to file separately.
Whether it was excess credit card debt or the need for foreclosure help that led you to file for bankruptcy, your situation likely has some unique elements to it that may require a different method for handling taxes than what another married couple had. The best way to be certain that you are maximizing your tax refund after already having filed bankruptcy is to contact a Washington DC or Maryland bankruptcy attorney who can examine all the specifics of your case.
Law Firm of Kevin D. Judd – Washington DC bankruptcy lawyer
