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Tax Savers Accounting Services of Mt Pleasant SC
Tax Savers Accounting Services of Mt Pleasant SC
Expert Solutions

Divorce and Separation Tax Filing Help in Mt Pleasant and Charleston SC

Divorce can change almost every aspect of your tax return, often in ways you might not expect. From your filing status and who claims the kids as dependents, to alimony payments and property settlements, the tax implications of separation are frequently overlooked until it's too late. What once was a straightforward joint filing can suddenly feel confusing, overwhelming, and emotionally draining—especially when you're already dealing with so much change.

At Tax Savers Associates, we help individuals in Charleston and Mount Pleasant SC navigate this difficult transition with confidence and clarity. Led by Patrick O'Hara, Attorney-at-Law, our team understands both the financial and legal sides of post-divorce tax preparation. We make sure your filing accurately reflects your new circumstances, protects your rights, and helps you avoid unnecessary penalties or missed deductions that could cost you down the road.

We can help you through a difficult time

Common Mistakes During Post-Divorce Filing

Many separated or divorced individuals in South Carolina unintentionally make costly errors when trying to file their taxes on their own. It's completely understandable—there's so much to think about, and tax rules around divorce can be confusing even in the best circumstances. Some people forget to adjust their filing status from "married filing jointly" to "single" or "head of household," which can have a major impact on available credits and refund eligibility. Others struggle with correctly reporting alimony payments, child support, or asset transfers that were part of the divorce settlement.

Read about more tax mistakes made post- divorce

Another common and particularly frustrating issue arises when both parents claim the same child as a dependent. This happens more often than you'd think, especially when custody agreements aren't crystal clear or when communication between ex-spouses has broken down. Unfortunately, when this happens, it almost always leads to IRS delays, rejected returns, or even audits. These mistakes are surprisingly easy to make but can be incredibly difficult and time-consuming to fix without professional help.

At Tax Savers Associates, we carefully review both your prior returns and your current documents to prevent these errors before they happen. With Patrick O'Hara's legal background and tax expertise, every filing is handled with precision and foresight. We help you identify the correct filing status, confirm dependent eligibility according to your custody arrangement, and ensure full compliance with both South Carolina and federal tax rules. The result is less stress, fewer surprises, and the maximum savings you're entitled to.


Filing Status and Child Credit Guidance

Your filing status after a divorce has a huge impact on your tax rate, the deductions you can claim, and the credits you're eligible for. Choosing between "single" and "head of household" might seem like a minor detail, but it can mean a difference of hundreds or even thousands of dollars in your refund. The catch is that only one status is correct under IRS rules, and choosing the wrong one can trigger problems later.

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We guide you through this important decision step by step, making sure your choice accurately reflects your living arrangements, your dependents, and your specific situation. We also help you navigate shared custody arrangements, which can be especially tricky. Who gets to claim the Child Tax Credit? What about the Earned Income Credit? If you and your ex-spouse alternate years claiming the children, how do you document that properly? We make sure any parenting agreements or custody arrangements you have are fully aligned with IRS requirements so there are no surprises or conflicts.

For many Charleston and Mount Pleasant clients going through divorce, getting these details right can make a difference of thousands of dollars. It's not just about following the rules—it's about making sure every dollar you're legally entitled to stays in your pocket where it belongs. That money can make a real difference as you're rebuilding your financial life.


Why Legal Expertise Matters in Divorce Tax Filing

After a divorce, you need more than a standard tax preparer who's just going to plug numbers into software. You need someone who genuinely understands the intersection of family law and tax law, and who can help you navigate the places where they overlap. That's what makes Tax Savers Associates different.

Patrick O'Hara, Attorney-at-Law, brings both legal insight and deep tax expertise to your filing process. He carefully reviews your divorce decree, financial statements, and property settlement agreements to ensure everything aligns properly with both IRS and South Carolina Department of Revenue guidelines. This thorough review helps prevent future disputes, audits, or errors that could arise from incomplete or inconsistent filings—issues that can come back to haunt you months or even years down the line.

Having an attorney handle your post-divorce taxes also means you have someone who can communicate with your divorce attorney if needed, understand the legal language in your settlement, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks. Our attorney-led approach ensures that every number, every deduction, and every credit is backed by professional accuracy and a deep understanding of how major life changes affect your tax obligations. It's the kind of thorough, detail-oriented work that gives you real confidence moving forward.




"After my divorce, I had no idea how to file correctly or what counted as my responsibility anymore. Patrick handled everything with patience and care. He explained each step, made sure nothing was missed, and helped me feel confident again about my finances."

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"We handle every return with complete discretion and professionalism, so you can focus your energy on rebuilding your life and moving forward with financial confidence. You've already been through enough; let us handle the tax complexity for you."- Patrick

How to Prepare Your Documents

The first step toward a stress-free filing is getting organized, and we make that as simple as possible. We offer a secure online portal where you can easily upload all your relevant documents: W-2s, 1099s, your divorce decree, child support or custody agreements, alimony documentation, and any prior-year returns. Everything is encrypted and completely confidential, so your private information stays private.

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During your consultation, we'll walk through your documents together, answer any questions you have, and explain clearly how each item affects your current year's filing. There's no judgment, no pressure, and no rushing through things. We take the time you need to feel comfortable and informed. You can meet with Patrick O'Hara in person at our Charleston or Mount Pleasant office if you prefer face-to-face interaction, or you can connect virtually from the privacy and comfort of your home if that feels easier.

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If you're facing the challenges of filing taxes after a divorce or separation, you don't have to face them alone. Tax Savers Associates helps individuals throughout Charleston and Mount Pleasant SC make sense of complex financial changes with accuracy, complete privacy, and genuine compassion. We understand this is a difficult time, and we're here to make at least one part of it easier.

Meet with Patrick O'Hara, Attorney-at-Law, to review your unique situation and create a clear, straightforward filing plan that protects your interests and sets you up for a fresh start. Whether you recently finalized your divorce, are still in the middle of the process, or are navigating the first tax season after separation, we can help you prepare properly, minimize your tax burden, and move forward with confidence.


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