Always fun being reminded we aren't a real couple because we are gay and not married. I just love being reminded I am citizen, but owe more money because my relationship isn't "real."

We are just a couple of weeks from our 12 year anniversary, so I think he is in it for the long haul.

to you!

Being married with no dependents always hurt my taxes because the combined income moved us to a higher tax bracket.

Like if I made $35,000 and was in the 15% bracket and married someone making $40,000, now all of a sudden we would both be paying 25% because of the combined income. That's why they call it the marriage "penalty" I always thought.

The big money savings is with kids/dependents. When we had years with 2 or 3 dependents to claim $7,000-$9,000 tax refunds were normal. No dependents now and I feel lucky if I only have to pay $4,000 in, ugh.

If you look at the tax tables, you'll see that the rates are different for the same income level depending upon single, married filed separately or married filing jointly.

There is an element to what you are describing at specific AGI strata, but in other cases there is little to no penalty.

Not sure what your income level is, but if you have no dependents, why not lower you exemptions on the W-4 to zero. Then the withholding goes up and you won't have to worry about budgeting during the year to assure you have the money to pay the taxes. They'll already be paid.

I had $5500 withheld this year and my final tax bill was $5200, so I'm getting a $300 refund. When I say I had to pay X dollars at tax time I'm referring to what the final cumulative total was for the year usually.

Wouldn't your state then have to recognize such a marriage?

I've been going to the same guy for years. It's like visiting friends when I go to the office every year.

I give my employer credit for getting the forms to me ahead of time.

I used to wait too long to file. I enjoy having it done and out of the way early in the season.

.......the federal is in pending status in my savings account as of today and the deposit will be complete on Monday.

Refund on the way to direct deposit.

Love them internets.

$0.00 in earned income. I only file to stop identity thieves from using my SSN to get undeserved refunds.

Did mine several weeks ago as I never have to pay because I live abroad. Also I am applying for financial aid, so the quicker I get my taxes done, the quicker I get that out of the way. We are exempt up to $97,500. I pay taxes here in Korea (the payroll tax is low, but they have a VAT tax of 10%, my car tax is $340 a year, and house tax is about $50).

We are both over 70, pension and soc. sec. and 1 small ira payment.
Getting most all of taxes paid back, both FED and STATE.

Besides Social Security, only made $1000, so owed nothing.

On paper with a blue pen, but first on trial forms with a pencil, LOL. Mine will go out on Monday also. I will get back a refund this year, about $900. That money will go straight into my savings account, as I am retiring this year. It will pay for necessities through the year. And my job, a good one with benefits, can go to one of you younger folks with a family to support.

... from my brokerage account. I should have it by 14 Feb and then I can finish up and eFile. I had to sell a bunch of funds and stuff in my brokerage account (which are most of my retirement savings) to pay off some bills and debt. There were a lot of different basis numbers and long and short term gains and dividends. I could probably go back and figure them out from old monthly statements, but it is a lot easier (and more accurate!) do just download the 1099 data directly into TurboTax.

I thought when I retired that my tax return would be simpler. Somehow it seems to have gotten more complicated.

Well, actually, think my appointment is on the 11th (April) this year.

I'm a big fan of procrastination.

On paper with a pen. I don't have a typewriter. I have decent handwriting (printing), so I'm quite sure the IRS can read it.

I had to shell out over $2,000 because most of my income is from two small pensions and Social Security and another source where there are no taxes taken out. I put aside money each month so that I have it available at the end of the year. I really get ticked off that part of my measly Social Security is taxed - in fact almost half of it was taxed this year. I don't mind paying my fair share, but when I have to pay taxes on my Social Security while the one-percenters can hide their money offshore, well, there are times when I can almost sympathize with what the tea party is trying to say.

Don't get me wrong - I despise the tea partiers, but at my age and level of income, I shouldn't have to pay as much as I do in federal taxes. I at least get a small refund from the state.