Calculate how marriage affects your tax situation and find optimal filing strategies
This calculator helps you understand how getting married affects your tax liability. Compare filing jointly vs. separately, see potential marriage penalties or bonuses, and discover tax optimization strategies.
Show Example ScenariosExample Scenarios:
Marriage Bonus: When one spouse earns significantly more than the other, filing jointly often results in lower taxes due to income averaging.
Marriage Penalty: When both spouses earn similar high incomes, combining them may push you into a higher tax bracket, increasing your tax burden.
Neutral Impact: Some couples find their combined tax liability is similar to what they paid as singles.
Income Details
Your Income
Spouse's Income
Deductions & Credits
Results Not Calculated
Enter your income details and click "Calculate Tax Impact" to see your results.
Tax Optimization Tips
- Consider maxing out retirement contributions to reduce taxable income
- Review whether itemizing deductions makes sense for your situation
- Explore tax credits you may qualify for based on your dependents
2023 Federal Tax Brackets
Single Filers
| Rate | Income Range |
|---|---|
| 10% | $0 - $11,000 |
| 12% | $11,001 - $44,725 |
| 22% | $44,726 - $95,375 |
| 24% | $95,376 - $182,100 |
| 32% | $182,101 - $231,250 |
| 35% | $231,251 - $578,125 |
| 37% | $578,126+ |
Married Filing Jointly
| Rate | Income Range |
|---|---|
| 10% | $0 - $22,000 |
| 12% | $22,001 - $89,450 |
| 22% | $89,451 - $190,750 |
| 24% | $190,751 - $364,200 |
| 32% | $364,201 - $462,500 |
| 35% | $462,501 - $693,750 |
| 37% | $693,751+ |
Standard Deductions
| Filing Status | 2023 Amount |
|---|---|
| Single | $13,850 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $27,700 |
| Married Filing Separately | $13,850 |
Tax Resources
Helpful Links
- IRS Official Website - Forms, publications, and official tax information
- IRS Forms & Instructions - Download current tax forms
- Tax Credits & Deductions - Learn about available tax benefits
- Free File Program - Free tax filing options
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the marriage penalty?
The marriage penalty occurs when a married couple pays more in taxes than they would as two single individuals with the same incomes. This typically happens when both spouses earn similar high incomes.
What is the marriage bonus?
The marriage bonus occurs when a married couple pays less in taxes than they would as two single individuals. This often happens when one spouse earns significantly more than the other.
Should we file jointly or separately?
Most couples benefit from filing jointly, but there are situations where filing separately makes sense (e.g., when one spouse has significant medical expenses or student loan payments). Use this calculator to compare both options.