First year married, do you get more money back at tax time?

Question

I know with friends that have children that receive about $3000 back in taxes for the year when they file. Do you get more money back being married? We got married in January this year so always filed separately and in previous years have only gotten back a few hundred, if that. Would we get more now? We both made approx. $18,000 each last year.

to the first answer...oh gee, i thought we would get back more. we have made the same really the past few years so I didn't think we would be getting less. I thought there was some sort of credit when you are married.

THANKS DMC!

Answer 1

The thing that can get married couples a larger refund is the higher standard deduction. The standard deduction for tax year 2006 for Married filing jointly is $10, 300. Plus, you will have 2 exemptions at $3,300 each.

If you each made $18, 000, that makes your total income for the year $32,000. Subtract the standard deduction and 2 exemptions and that brings your taxable income to $15,100. The tax on that is $1,514. Add of the total that you have both had for federal tax with held year to date. If it is more than $1,514, than you will receive that back in a refund. If it is less, you will have a balance due to the IRS.

Answer 2

I just got married and my husband only made 3100 for the year and I made 23,000. I claim my mother and my 17 year old son so does anyone know if I will get more for filing married jointly or sepratley

Answer 3

No. You will get back the same - well maybe not. You could actually get back less if you went to a higher tax bracket and did not adjust your withholdings accordingly.

There used to be a marriage tax penelty but Bush got rid of it for the next couple of years.

Answer 4

No, there is not a credit for just being married. Most large refunds are caused by having kids and/or owning a home.