DuPage County, IL Law Firm of Kulerski and Cornelison Cautions that Income Tax Season Can be Tough for Those Separated or Getting a Divorce

OAK BROOK, IL, February 29, 2012 (Press-News.org) For most people, filing income tax returns is simply a minor inconvenience. You gather the information you need, and either fill out the forms yourself or have help from an experienced professional. But for those who are separated or in the process of getting a divorce, an unpleasant reality like tax returns can quickly turn bitter, and may even become the catalyst for a larger battle. Planning ahead and working with an accountant familiar with divorce proceedings is key to a smooth tax return.

"Taxes are a very touchy subject because they involve money," says Kari Cornelison of Kulerski and Cornelison. "Whether couples are living under the same roof or living apart, how money is handled can be a sore spot - and filing tax returns can lead the list of problems."

When it comes to taxes, this is probably not the best time to try and do them yourself. "Find a good tax accountant, preferably one who specializes in the circumstances and situations facing those who are separated or for whom divorce is underway," says Cornelison.

When speaking with an accountant, there are a few things that will make a difference when it comes to filing your taxes.

First, will your filing status be that of married or married filing separate? There is a difference in your tax liability and it's typical to find that married filing separate may not be the most advantageous from a tax perspective. In other words, you may find that you have to pay more tax.

Second, if you decide to file separately, who gets to take the exemptions for the children, or the deductions for such things as the real estate taxes and interest on mortgage loans? "This is another area that is very touchy for folks who have an extremely strained relationship and believe that the other is entitled to no benefit of any kind," adds Cornelison. "It's probably best to get your attorney(s) involved and have them work with a tax accountant to find the best approach."

Finally, what are you going to do with any funds that are received as part of a tax refund? Will they be divided equally, potentially set aside to pay for the kids' education, or does one party receive the full amount? It's important to decide this before the refund is received. Along the same lines, what if money is owed to the IRS? "There is no hard and fast rule as to how this is handled. It simply has to be a joint decision by both parties and may need intervention from their respective legal counsel," states Cornelison.

Taxes are one of the most important aspects when a separation or divorce situation is transpiring. How it's handled is completely based upon the relationship of the two parties and their ability to work together for the best outcome.

The Law Firm of Kulerski and Cornelison has offices in downtown Chicago (Cook County) and in suburban Oak Brook (DuPage County), IL.

For more information call 630-928-0600, or visit civilizeddivorce.com. Questions can also be directed to either Kari L. Cornelison (kc@illinoislegal.com) or to J. Richard Kulerski (rk@illinoislegal.com).

About Kulerski & Cornelison

Richard and Kari are staunch advocates of the non-court approach to divorce, and are also active and seasoned litigators with over 60 years of combined trial experience in the Illinois divorce courts of Cook, DuPage, Kane and Will counties.