Marriage Tax Calculator
Compare tax implications of filing married vs. single to understand the marriage penalty or bonus
The marriage tax calculator helps couples understand how their tax liability changes when they get married. Compare filing as single individuals versus married filing jointly or separately to see if you'll face a marriage penalty or receive a marriage bonus.
Person 1 Information
Person 2 Information
Married Filing Options
Tax Comparison Results
Enter income information to see tax comparison
Common Scenarios
Similar Incomes
Both partners earn similar amounts
High-Low Income
One high earner, one lower earner
Single Earner
One partner works, other doesn't
How Marriage Tax Works
Marriage Penalty vs. Bonus
Marriage Penalty: When a married couple pays more in taxes than they would as single individuals.
Marriage Bonus: When a married couple pays less in taxes than they would as single individuals.
The outcome depends on income levels, tax brackets, and deductions. Generally:
- Similar high incomes often face a penalty
- Disparate incomes often receive a bonus
- Single-earner couples usually get a bonus
Filing Status Options
Married Filing Jointly: Combine incomes and deductions. Usually provides the lowest tax liability.
Married Filing Separately: File separate returns. May be beneficial if:
- One spouse has high medical expenses
- One spouse has significant miscellaneous deductions
- You want to keep finances separate
- One spouse has tax compliance issues
Note: You cannot claim certain credits when filing separately.
Example Calculation
Scenario: Similar Income Couple
Person 1: $75,000 income
Person 2: $70,000 income
Combined: $145,000 income
Standard Deduction (2024):
- Single: $14,600 each
- Married: $29,200 combined
Tax Calculation Result
Filing Single:
- Person 1 tax: ~$11,500
- Person 2 tax: ~$10,800
- Total: ~$22,300
Married Filing Jointly: ~$22,800
Marriage Penalty: ~$500
Frequently Asked Questions
When should we file separately instead of jointly?
Consider filing separately if one spouse has high medical expenses (over 7.5% of AGI), significant miscellaneous deductions, or if you want to avoid joint liability for taxes. However, you'll lose access to many tax credits and deductions.
How accurate is this calculator?
This calculator provides estimates based on standard deductions and basic tax brackets. It doesn't account for all possible deductions, credits, or complex tax situations. Consult a tax professional for personalized advice.
What if we get married mid-year?
Your marital status on December 31st determines your filing status for the entire year. If you marry during the year, you can choose to file jointly or separately for that tax year.