Should small business owners file taxes jointly with their spouses?

Filing jointly can't hurt you. I filing jointly every year. We find it to be much easier. Art T.

i wonder if mr. quickbooks has an opinion on this..keith, where are you?

I really need to know the answer to this question as well and would love to talk with someone, especially in the Portland area who can advise.

There are some pros and cons of filing jointly versus separately. The major con is that if they aren't telling the truth, you can get stuck with the bill. Another is that you could end up paying more than if you filed separately.

For example, if you have two people with similar incomes but one person has a number of deductions such as medical, charitable, mortgage interest, property taxes, personal property taxes (Schedule A for each of these categories) and employee business expenses (Form 2106) that wouldn't be fully deductible if one itemized as a couple, then you may save more in taxes by filing separately.

The best way to decide is to run a return as a couple and then see what each of you would look like as married filing separately.

I don't think it makes any difference if your husband is a partner in the business.