does the order on the names on tax documents mean anything?

[Semidevil]

So lets say on my parents tax transcript (married filing jointly), dad's name appears first, and mom is listed as the 'spouse,' even though mom generates income, and dad is retired and makes 0 income.

Does the order imply anything in regards to who is the head of household, or does the order not mean anything?

I'm doing some immigration stuff and I'm trying to determine who is considered a 'sponsor,' and who is considered a 'household member, for meeting income requirements(I864 vs I864a for any one that is curious).'

My thought is that since mom makes money, she is the sponsor, but I'm just not sure if it makes any difference since she is listed as the 'spouse.'

Please post your question in the tax thread http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2361895.
admin allsiolm

 

[Broheim]

not knowing a damn thing about US tax laws, I'd say filing jointly would mean both parties are seen as equals so it shouldn't matter who is generating income and who is not. But then again knowing 'murica there could be absolutely no logic to it. God I'm helpful.

 

[wabbitslayer]

Pitcher first, catcher second.

 

[Rakehellion]

If you're married, you're a household, you're a single entity.

In a divorce, it doesn't matter who "makes" the money because everyone gets half.