It's mid$-$December and Marie is finalizing her divorce. Generally, she and her soon to be ex$-$spouse have been amicable, and Marie is looking forward to being single. The divorce attorneys will be ready to complete the proceedings before December $31,$ but Marie is concerned about tax implications. Marie has asked for your help in determining whether to wait until the beginning of next year in order to minimize taxes. The couple has two children and expect each will take custody of one child maintaining their own households. Marie's taxable income is $$90,000$ while he soon$-$to$-$be ex$-$spouse's taxable income is $$40,000.$ Ignore any tax credits in your analysis.