- Filing taxes jointly results in savings for most married couples.
- Joint filers get double the standard deduction and have full access to valuable deductions and credits.
- There are times when it can make more sense to file separately, such as when you have excessive medical expenses.
Most people can agree on one thing when it comes to money: They hate losing it.
For married couples, choosing to file taxes jointly or separately can have a significant impact on the amount of income tax owed.
In the vast majority of cases, couples save money by filing jointly — especially if one spouse works and the other doesn't, one spouse out-earns the other significantly, or they have children.
Still, there are special circumstances where it makes sense to file separately. The right filing status for you will depend on your expenses and income.
If you got married on or before December 31, you're considered married for the entire year for tax purposes. When tax season rolls around, you can choose to either file your tax return as a married couple or two individuals.
$0 for Free Edition (~37% of filers qualify. Form 1040 and no schedules except for Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Student Loan Interest), $39 to $69 for Deluxe, $89 to $129 for Premium
- Can be good for relatively complex tax situations that may require help navigating deductions and forms
- Offers step-by-step guidance
- Ability to upgrade for instant access to an expert
- Not all users will qualify for a $0 filing option
- Most expensive option for many tax situations
- No brick-and-mortar locations to meet with a tax pro
TurboTax is among the most expensive options for filing taxes online, but offers a high-quality user interface and access to experts. It's especially valuable for self-employed filers who use QuickBooks integration.
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- Snap a photo of your W-2 or 1099-NEC and TurboTax will put your info in the right places.
- CompleteCheck™ scans your return so you can be confident it’s 100% accurate.
- You won’t pay for TurboTax until it’s time to file and you’re fully satisfied.
- TurboTax is committed to getting you your maximum refund, guaranteed.
Married filing jointly
Every couple's situation is different, but in general, there are a few major benefits to married filing jointly (MFJ):
- Access to valuable tax deductions and credits, including the earned income tax credit, child and dependent care credit, the American Opportunity credit, the Lifetime Learning credit, student-loan interest deduction, the maximum state and local tax (SALT) deduction, and the full IRA deduction (up to the income limits).
- Combining incomes could bring a higher earner into a lower tax bracket, since the tax rate ranges for married filers are different from those for single filers.
- A standard deduction of $29,200 in 2024, reducing taxable income by the maximum amount.
- A maximum capital loss deduction of $3,000.
Married filing separately
For most married couples, there are a number of disadvantages to filing separately (MFS):
- Excluded from earned income tax credit, child and dependent care credit, the American Opportunity credit, the Lifetime Learning credit, student-loan interest deduction, and the adoption credit, and unable to qualify for a full IRA contribution deduction.
- If one spouse chooses to itemize their deductions, the other must, too.
- SALT deductions are limited to a total of $5,000, half the amount available to joint filers.
- The income threshold for the highest tax rate comes much sooner for MFS than for MFJ and single filers.
When married filing separately may be better
Filing separately does save some couples money. One of the primary reasons couples choose to file separately is if a spouse claims itemized deductions that would exceed the amount of their standard deduction, like charitable donations or medical bills.
Note that both spouses must take the same approach to taxes: If one spouse itemizes, the other must, too. Or, if one spouse takes the standard deduction, the other must do the same. The IRS does not allow one spouse to itemize and the other to take the standard deduction.
Your medical expenses are very high
For the 2024 tax year, filers can begin to deduct medical expenses once the total amount exceeds 7.5% of their adjusted gross income (AGI). When spouses' incomes are combined, the threshold can be exceptionally hard to meet. Further, it's usually not worth doing unless the deductible amount is higher than the standard deduction ($29,200) for married couples who file jointly.
Filing separately would allow both spouses to begin deducting qualified medical expenses after they exceed 7.5% of their own AGI. Remember, though, that itemizing deductions will prohibit either spouse from claiming their separate standard deduction (half of the amount you would get filing jointly).
A spouse is on an income-driven repayment plan for student loans
Another reason to consider filing separately is if one spouse (or both) uses an income-driven repayment plan for federal student loans.
When you file jointly, your combined income is recognized as the borrower's income, since the AGI listed on your annual tax return is the figure used to represent income. A higher combined AGI could significantly drive up monthly payments for the individual borrower.
You want to protect your own finances or need to follow state law
Lastly, not to plant the seeds of doubt, but filing separately might be smart if you suspect your spouse may be committing tax fraud, is behind on tax payments, or owes child support, because you'll be protected from shady behavior and your refund (if you're owed one) won't be held up by the IRS.
Also keep in mind that if you and your spouse work or live in different states, your state may require you to file separately in your state and jointly for your federal returns to ensure you won't be taxed twice (in your state and your spouse's state) on the same income. The exception to this rule is if you live in a community property state where all marital assets are considered joint property.
Factors to consider when choosing
Everyone's tax situation is unique, and being married often complicates, rather than simplifies, things. Here are the important factors to consider when choosing a filing status:
- Income levels of each spouse
- Presence of dependents
- Medical expenses
- Deduction strategy (standard vs. itemized)
- Potential tax benefits or liabilities
- Desire for separate financial responsibility
If you're still unsure, consider meeting with a tax advisor, or preparing a tax return online through a service like H&R Block, TaxAct, or TurboTax for both scenarios to see which one would result in the lowest tax liability.
FAQs on filing taxes as a married couple
Yes, you can file taxes jointly one year and separately the next. This may be a good strategy for some couples with variable income or unique financial or family situations.
If you're legally divorced or separated by December 31, you must file taxes as single or head of household for that year. Head of household filers are generally individuals who are eligible to claim a qualifying child or qualifying relative as a dependent. A dependent can only be claimed on one tax return per year, so divorced parents may have an arrangement where they switch off each year filing as head of household.
An IRS tool can help you determine the filing status that results in the lowest amount of tax for you and your spouse. If you have specific questions or a very complex situation, consider hiring a tax professional.
$0 for Free Edition (~37% of filers qualify. Form 1040 and no schedules except for Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Student Loan Interest), $39 to $69 for Deluxe, $89 to $129 for Premium
- Can be good for relatively complex tax situations that may require help navigating deductions and forms
- Offers step-by-step guidance
- Ability to upgrade for instant access to an expert
- Not all users will qualify for a $0 filing option
- Most expensive option for many tax situations
- No brick-and-mortar locations to meet with a tax pro
TurboTax is among the most expensive options for filing taxes online, but offers a high-quality user interface and access to experts. It's especially valuable for self-employed filers who use QuickBooks integration.
TurboTax Tax Software- Tell TurboTax about your life and it will guide you step by step. Jumpstart your taxes with last year’s info.
- Snap a photo of your W-2 or 1099-NEC and TurboTax will put your info in the right places.
- CompleteCheck™ scans your return so you can be confident it’s 100% accurate.
- You won’t pay for TurboTax until it’s time to file and you’re fully satisfied.
- TurboTax is committed to getting you your maximum refund, guaranteed.
