When you tie the knot, you decide just how much you and your spouse will share — from bank accounts to calendars to chores. The same goes for tax time. Carefully weigh the pros and cons of filing jointly or separately before completing your tax return.
What does married filing jointly mean?
When married couples in the United States file jointly, you and your spouse report your combined income, deductions and credits on one tax return. You may also choose to file separately.
Married filing jointly requirements
To be eligible to file jointly, you must meet these conditions:
Be married on the last day of tax year. For example, you must be married by December 31, 2024 to file a joint return. If you are unmarried, divorced or legally separated on December 31, you are considered unmarried for the purposes of filing taxes. If your spouse has died, you can file jointly.
Both you and your spouse must agree to file a joint tax return.
Read more: Be prepared for tax day by using our digital toolkit.
What are the advantages of married filing jointly?
For most couples, filing jointly is easier than filing separately, and it can reduce your tax burden, too.
You may get a lower overall tax rate
The majority of married couples could get a lower overall tax rate when they file jointly — possibly receiving a larger tax refund or a lower tax liability. With combined incomes, a higher earner may be placed in a lower tax bracket because the tax rate ranges for married filers are different than those married filing separately.
Married couples filing jointly
Tax rate | Federal income tax bracket | Tax owed |
10% | $0 to $23,200 | 10% of the taxable income |
12% | > $23,200 to $94,300 | $2,320 plus 12% of the excess over $23,200 |
22% | > $94,300 to $201,050 | $10,852 plus 22% of the excess over $94,300 |
24% | > $201,050 to $383,900 | $34,337 plus 24% of the excess over $201,050 |
32% | > $383,900 to $487,450 | $78,221 plus 32% of the excess over $383,900 |
35% | > $487,450 to $731,200 | $111,357 plus 35% of the excess over $487,450 |
37% | > $731,200 | $196,669.50 plus 37% of the excess over $731,200 |
Source: IRS
You earn more credits and deductions
Filing jointly may make you eligible for a number of tax breaks, including:
Earned Income Tax Credit
American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning Education Tax Credits
Exclusion or credit for adoption expenses
Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit
The vast majority of married couples could get a lower tax rate when they file jointly.
Higher standard deduction
The standard deduction for married couples filing jointly in the 2024 tax year is $29,200. For single taxpayers and married couples filing separately, the standard deduction is $14,600. The standard deduction reduces the amount of your income that’s subject to tax.
Disadvantages of filing separately
While you have the option to file separately if you’re married, it can come with some downsides:
Exclusion from eligible tax credits
Possible higher overall tax rate
Lower capital loss deduction limit ($1,500 when you file separately vs. $3,000 on a joint return)
Smaller IRA contribution deductions
Married filing separately requirements
While filing jointly makes financial sense for most married couples, you can file separately. In some instances, the couple may be better off financially. In this situation, you don’t file as a single person. Instead, both spouses select the married filing separately tax status.
When is it better to consider filing married separately?
Some circumstances can make married filing separately the smarter choice:
You earn the same income as your spouse and combining under a married joint return would push you into a higher tax bracket
Your income is subject to AMT
You and your spouse have very different income levels
One spouse has large medical bills
Your spouse has tax penalties
Where student loans would result in higher loan repayment amounts because both spouses’ income is considered in determining repayment amounts
Married filing separately
Tax rate | Federal income tax bracket | Tax owed |
10% | $0 to $11,600 | 10% of the taxable income |
12% | > $11,600 to $47,150 | $1,160 plus 12% of the excess over $11,600 |
22% | > $47,150 to $100,525 | $5,426 plus 22% of the excess over $47,150 |
24% | > $100,525 to $191,950 | $17,168.50 plus 24% of the excess over $100,525 |
32% | > $191,950 to $243,725 | $39,110.50 plus 32% of the excess over $191,950 |
35% | > $243,725 to $365,600 | $55,678.50 plus 35% of the excess over $243,725 |
37% | > $365,600 | $98,334.75 plus 37% of the excess over $365,600 |
Source: IRS
Determine which filing option is best for you and your spouse
Marrying your better half comes with a lot of perks, including some potential tax breaks. Carefully consider all the factors, and prepare for tax season with a planning checklist before deciding how to file as a married couple.
