Should we we file joint or separate taxes?

Question

I got married last April so this is all new to me. We live in California. My husband was a student last year and made $15,000. I made $57,500. I would like to know what is more advantageous as a whole- filing joint or separate?

Answer 1

Almost always more beneficial to file married filing jointly (MFJ)

You could always prepare your taxes both ways to see which way has more tax savings.

Answer 2

Generally, you receive more benefits in the form of deductions and credits when you file jointly. If you are using a good software program like Turbo Tax, you can try it both ways and see which works better for you.

Answer 3

You will nearly always pay less total tax by filing a joint return. The IRS recommends that you prepare your returns both ways and go with whichever way works out best for you.

Answer 4

File together. I have yet to see a married couple who does better filing separately.

Answer 5

Ask a tax person. They have phone lines where you can call and ask questions like that. Have some infomation handy when you call in case they ask you some questions. You can find help numbers in or on the back of the tax book that you get.

Answer 6

agreed, file jointly. very rarely is it beneficial to file married filing separately. couples who do file MFS do so for legal reasons, not for tax saving reasons.

Answer 7

Sometimes if there is a big difference in incomes, such as yours, its better to file seperately. Do it both ways to see which is more beneficial.

Answer 8

jointly. The total is only 62,500 so it wouldn't make a difference.
Remember to write-off all those "donations" you make to the church every week that they didn't give you a receipt for.