My wife doesn't work, but owes student loan debt from before we got married. If I file married filing jointly will they take our refund to pay her debt? We just got married and she doesn't work so the only reason I want to filed as married filing jointly is because I heard you have a lower tax obligation.

ANSWER

The BIDaWIZ Team's Answer:

Filing as married filing jointly typically provides greater tax benefits than filing as married filing separately. Did your wife default on her student loan debt or is she in good standing? If she defaulted on her student loan debt, then we would advise you to file separately as your tax refund can be claimed by the IRS. If she just has student loan debt and is in good standing, then you can still file jointly without issue.