Anonymous
Post 01/19/2026 12:42     Subject: married file jointly or separately?
We have done this for years due to my loans from law school. You allegedly can go back and amend to file jointly, which will be a better deal on the tax side in almost every case. I have never done that though.
Anonymous
Post 01/18/2026 12:42     Subject: married file jointly or separately?
Oh I see her monthly payment may be lower based on her lower income. Lowering the over all cost until it's forgiven. How much are you borrowing?
Anonymous
Post 01/18/2026 12:39     Subject: married file jointly or separately?
Anonymous wrote:Stop trying to scam the system when there are people actually in need.


I does feel like a scam but apparently it's allowed! OP what benefit are you looking for by filing separately. I think turbo tax will handle this.
Anonymous
Post 01/18/2026 12:33     Subject: married file jointly or separately?
Stop trying to scam the system when there are people actually in need.
Anonymous
Post 01/18/2026 11:29     Subject: married file jointly or separately?
Anonymous wrote:So the wife (mom of DC) took out the parent plus loans. Is she saying she herself works at a non-profit type job so after she pays on them for 10 years she can do PSLF? (if it's still around)

I didn't realize parents can do that. I thought the PSLF program was to encourage college graduates to work in public service.


I hadn't heard of it but I did a quick Google and this does appear to be a thing:
https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/article/are-direct-plus-loans-eligible-for-pslf
Anonymous
Post 01/18/2026 11:26     Subject: married file jointly or separately?
So the wife (mom of DC) took out the parent plus loans. Is she saying she herself works at a non-profit type job so after she pays on them for 10 years she can do PSLF? (if it's still around)

I didn't realize parents can do that. I thought the PSLF program was to encourage college graduates to work in public service.
Anonymous
Post 01/18/2026 09:08     Subject: married file jointly or separately?
Why would you have to file separately? If the student was married, they could get them forgiven after 10 years.
Anonymous
Post 01/18/2026 08:52     Subject: married file jointly or separately?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Turbo tax let's you easily try both ways by clicking and unclicking a box


Turbo tax isn’t going to be aware of her student loan scam though.

I think this is something you should take to a tax attorney, who can help you run all the different scenarios.


+1
Anonymous
Post 01/18/2026 08:50     Subject: married file jointly or separately?
Anonymous wrote:Turbo tax let's you easily try both ways by clicking and unclicking a box


Turbo tax isn’t going to be aware of her student loan scam though.

I think this is something you should take to a tax attorney, who can help you run all the different scenarios.
Anonymous
Post 01/17/2026 23:27     Subject: married file jointly or separately?
Turbo tax let's you easily try both ways by clicking and unclicking a box
Anonymous
Post 01/17/2026 23:24     Subject: married file jointly or separately?
So you are going to pay higher rates for 10;years , hoping you don't lose your job, need to retire, or they do not change the rules? GL
Anonymous
Post 01/17/2026 22:30     Subject: married file jointly or separately?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:DH made twice what I do but I took college loans for our DC in my name because I'll be eligible for PSLF when the loans come due. I read somewhere that it's better to file taxes separately in that case. Anyone btdt and can advise? Otherwise an uncomplicated return, two salaries and joint home ownership.


Parent plus loan? Don't you later mire interest on those?



Yes, parent plus loans. I’ll be eligible for forgiveness after 10 years of payments under PSLF.
Anonymous
Post 01/17/2026 21:55     Subject: married file jointly or separately?
Anonymous wrote:DH made twice what I do but I took college loans for our DC in my name because I'll be eligible for PSLF when the loans come due. I read somewhere that it's better to file taxes separately in that case. Anyone btdt and can advise? Otherwise an uncomplicated return, two salaries and joint home ownership.


Parent plus loan? Don't you later mire interest on those?
Anonymous
Post 01/17/2026 20:08     Subject: married file jointly or separately?
DH made twice what I do but I took college loans for our DC in my name because I'll be eligible for PSLF when the loans come due. I read somewhere that it's better to file taxes separately in that case. Anyone btdt and can advise? Otherwise an uncomplicated return, two salaries and joint home ownership.