Marriage Tax Calculator
Compare the tax implications of filing jointly versus separately as a married couple.
Tax Filing Comparison
Filing Jointly
Filing Separately
Tax Difference
Tax Credit Comparison
Joint Filing Credits
Separate Filing Credits
Refund or Amount Owed
Joint Filing
Separate Filing
Based on your inputs:
Understanding Marriage and Taxes
Filing Jointly: Pros & Cons
- •Pro: Usually lower tax rates for couples with disparate incomes
- •Pro: Higher standard deduction than filing separately
- •Pro: Eligible for more tax credits and deductions
- •Pro: Simplified tax preparation (one return)
- •Con: Joint liability for taxes, penalties, and interest
- •Con: Possible "marriage penalty" if both have high incomes
The Marriage Tax Penalty
A "marriage penalty" occurs when a couple pays more in taxes filing jointly than they would if they were single. This typically affects:
- •Couples where both spouses earn similar high incomes
- •Couples who hit phase-out thresholds for certain tax credits
Filing Separately: Pros & Cons
- •Pro: Protection from joint tax liability
- •Pro: Lower AGI may qualify one spouse for certain deductions
- •Pro: May benefit couples with significant medical expenses
- •Con: Higher tax rates for most income levels
- •Con: Ineligible for many tax credits (e.g. child care credit)
- •Con: Lower deduction and exemption thresholds
The Marriage Tax Bonus
A "marriage bonus" occurs when a married couple pays less in taxes by filing jointly than they would as singles. This typically benefits:
- •Couples with disparate incomes (one high earner, one low/no earner)
- •Couples who can consolidate deductions and credits
Remember, while tax implications are important, they shouldn't be the sole factor in marriage decisions. This calculator provides estimates based on current tax laws, but individual situations may vary. Consider consulting with a tax professional for personalized advice.