How to Decide Whether to File Jointly
There are five filing statuses when you file your taxes. Usually it is an easy determination and you will only fit in one category; however, when you get married, you have the choice to file jointly as a married couple or you can be married and file separately. While the tax code typically favors married couples that file jointly, that is not necessarily the case for all couples.
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Instructions
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Consider all relevant factors, such as how much income you earn jointly with your spouse, the potential deductions or credits for which you are each eligible and the number of dependents you will claim, if any.
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Calculate your taxes individually and then calculate your taxes as if you were filing jointly to determine whether you will pay less in taxes as a couple or individually. You must take into consideration that not all deductions or tax credits will be available to you if you file separately. For example, you may not take a student loan interest deduction or receive the child and dependent care credit.
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Think about whether there are non-monetary reasons for filing separately. If one spouse is required to disclose tax filings for job reasons, you may decide that the other spouse should not be subjected to scrutiny. Additionally, if one spouse takes a more aggressive stance on deductions and other tax issues, you may wish to file separately.
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Call a tax professional or the IRS if you are still unsure of which filing status to utilize.
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Tips & Warnings
You may also seek assistance from the IRS by visiting the IRS website and filling out the What is My Filing Status questionnaire. Additionally, you can call the IRS at its toll-free tax assistance telephone number (800-829-1040) or personally visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center.
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