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Employee
March 29, 2025
Solved

Changing filing method post-divorce

  • March 29, 2025
  • 1 reply
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I have been married for 20 years, self-employed. We've always itemized deductions. This year, the standard deduction gives me and my husband the biggest refunds. However, we are getting divorced this year. I intend to stay self-employed.

 

My question is - if  I use the standard deduction this year, can I go back to itemizing deductions when I do 2025 taxes next year? TIA.

Best answer by MindyB

Yes, you can. You can change back and forth year to year.  If you end up not getting divorced, and wish to file separately in the future, you'll need to both choose the same method.

 

However, when your filing status is single, or married filing jointly you may change to whichever method you prefer.

 

Here is an article you may find helpful: Standard Deduction vs. Itemized Deductions: Which Is Better?

1 reply

MindyBAnswer
March 29, 2025

Yes, you can. You can change back and forth year to year.  If you end up not getting divorced, and wish to file separately in the future, you'll need to both choose the same method.

 

However, when your filing status is single, or married filing jointly you may change to whichever method you prefer.

 

Here is an article you may find helpful: Standard Deduction vs. Itemized Deductions: Which Is Better?

squidladyAuthor
Employee
March 29, 2025

Thank you for the speedy answer! I appreciate it.