Joint Tax Return Preparation in Manassas, VA (Married Filing Jointly)
Filing jointly as a married couple comes with real tax advantages—but it also means coordinating two people's income, documents, and sometimes two very different financial situations. We handle it all so you don't have to figure it out yourselves.
Whether you're both W-2 employees, one of you owns a business, or you have investments, dependents, and everything in between—we prepare joint returns for couples across Manassas, Gainesville, Haymarket, and the greater Northern Virginia and DC area.
Book a Tax Fit CallWhat's Included in Our MFJ Tax Return Service
Our married filing jointly service covers the full scope of what most couples need—without nickel-and-diming you for common forms.
Who This Is a Great Fit For
MFJ vs Other Filing Statuses (What We'll Confirm)
Married filing jointly is usually the best choice—it gives you access to the lowest tax brackets, the full child tax credit, education credits, and more. But "usually" isn't "always."
We run the numbers for both MFJ and married filing separately (MFS) when there's a reason to check. Common triggers include income-based student loan repayment plans, potential liability exposure, or significant medical expenses that might benefit from separate filing.
You'll see the comparison and make an informed decision—not a guess.
Our Joint Return Process (Designed to Reduce Back-and-Forth)
Tax Fit Call
We learn about both spouses' income sources, life changes, and goals in one consolidated call—reducing back-and-forth later.
Document Collection
Upload all documents for both spouses to our secure portal. We send a tailored checklist so nothing gets missed.
Preparation & Review
We prepare your joint return, run the MFJ vs. MFS comparison if relevant, and schedule a review to walk you through everything.
E-File & Confirm
Once approved, we e-file your federal and state returns and send you confirmation. Direct deposit or payment options explained.
When MFJ Gets Tricky (And Why Process Matters)
Joint returns aren't always straightforward. Here are situations we handle regularly—where having an organized process prevents missed deductions and costly errors:
Does Any of This Sound Familiar?
If your joint return involves any of these complexities, let's talk. A 15-minute Tax Fit Call helps us understand your situation and confirm we're the right fit.
Book a Tax Fit CallIf One (or Both) of You Own a Business
When one spouse has a business—or both do—your joint return becomes a coordination exercise. The business return (whether it's an S-Corp, partnership, or LLC) must be filed first, and the K-1 or Schedule C flows into your joint 1040.
We handle the full picture: preparing the entity return, coordinating reasonable compensation for S-Corps, ensuring self-employment taxes are calculated correctly, and making sure everything lands properly on your joint return.
Business Entity Returns We Prepare:
When an Extension Makes Sense for MFJ Returns
Extensions aren't a sign of procrastination—they're a legitimate planning tool. For joint returns, we often recommend an extension when:
- One spouse is still waiting on a K-1 from a partnership or S-Corp
- You're gathering documents from multiple sources and need time to get organized
- There's a complex situation that requires extra analysis
- You engaged us close to the deadline and we want to do it right, not rushed
An extension gives you until October 15 to file—but any taxes owed are still due April 15. We'll estimate your liability and make sure you're covered.
Why Clients Choose Hollins & Hur for Joint Returns
Consolidated Communication
One call, one checklist, one point of contact—not separate conversations for each spouse.
Business + Personal Coordination
If one of you owns a business, we prepare both returns and make sure everything flows correctly.
Remote-Friendly Process
We work with clients across Northern VA and DC. Everything can be done online—no office visits required.
Filing Status Analysis
We don't assume MFJ is best—we check and show you the comparison when it matters.
Multi-State Capability
If you or your spouse work across state lines, we handle the complexity.
Licensed Professionals
Your return is prepared by CPAs and Enrolled Agents—not seasonal staff.
FAQs About Married Filing Jointly Returns
Is it better to file jointly or separately?
In most cases, married filing jointly results in lower taxes due to favorable tax brackets and eligibility for more credits and deductions. However, there are situations—like income-based student loan repayment, liability concerns, or specific state rules—where filing separately makes sense. We analyze both options and show you the numbers before you decide.
What if one spouse has a business and the other is a W-2 employee?
This is one of the most common scenarios we handle. We coordinate both income sources, ensuring the business return (S-Corp, partnership, or sole proprietorship) flows correctly into your joint 1040 and that all deductions are properly allocated.
Do you handle returns if we live in different states?
Yes. Multi-state situations—whether due to a job relocation, remote work arrangements, or one spouse living in a different state—require careful handling. We prepare all necessary state returns and ensure proper income allocation.
What documents do we both need to provide?
Both spouses need to provide W-2s, 1099s, and any other income documents. We send a comprehensive checklist after you engage us, tailored to your specific situation (investments, dependents, business income, etc.).
Can you help if one spouse has back taxes or IRS issues?
Yes. We can advise on options like injured spouse relief and help you understand how filing jointly may affect your refund or liability. If you need IRS representation, we handle that too.
How long does it take to prepare a joint return?
Once we have all documents and your books are clean, most joint returns are completed within 5 business days. Complex situations with multiple business entities or multi-state filings may take slightly longer.
Do we both need to be on the call?
It's helpful but not required. If both spouses can join the initial Tax Fit Call, it helps us understand the full picture faster. Otherwise, one spouse can relay information and we'll follow up with questions as needed.
Ready to Get Your Joint Return Started?
Book a free 15-minute Tax Fit Call. We'll learn about your situation, confirm we're the right fit, and explain exactly how the process works.
Book a Tax Fit Call