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Best answer by Opus 17

It is always allowed for married couples to file jointly, as long as they agree, even if one spouse does not work or their incomes are very different.  Some tax benefits and credits are disallowed or reduced if both spouses file as married filing separately.  You file one return that lists all your combined income, deductions, dependents and credits.

 

It is possible, although very unusual, that you would owe less tax by each filing separately. The only way to know for sure is to prepare test returns both ways.  

2 replies

DoninGA
Employee
September 19, 2024

When you are legally married and living together you should be filing as Married Filing Jointly even if one spouse has little or no income.

Opus 17Answer
Employee
September 19, 2024

It is always allowed for married couples to file jointly, as long as they agree, even if one spouse does not work or their incomes are very different.  Some tax benefits and credits are disallowed or reduced if both spouses file as married filing separately.  You file one return that lists all your combined income, deductions, dependents and credits.

 

It is possible, although very unusual, that you would owe less tax by each filing separately. The only way to know for sure is to prepare test returns both ways.