I have filed my tax return with my wife's and we end up being owed but I have to still pay my own?

[greg-ross2014]

After filing our returns, overall we should be receiving a check. I however owe money and my wife gains. Do I need to pay and then have my wife receive a large check? I thought filing together meant together?

[fuzzy · Accepted solution]

There is no such thing as a joint return in Canada.  Although you may have prepared your returns together, you have created 2 separate returns under 2 separate accounts.  Canada Revenue does not permit the transfer of one person's refund to another person's balance due or vice versa.  As such, you will pay your balance owing and your wife will receive her refund.