Marriage Tax Calculator – Compare Filing Options

Marriage Tax Calculator

Compare how getting married will affect your tax situation

Spouse 1
Spouse 2

Deductions

Itemized Deductions

Marriage Tax Impact Results

Single Filing
Spouse 1 Tax: $0
Spouse 2 Tax: $0
Combined Tax: $0
Married Filing Jointly
Combined Income: $0
Total Tax: $0
Tax Difference: $0
Married Filing Separately
Spouse 1 Tax: $0
Spouse 2 Tax: $0
Combined Tax: $0
Recommendation

Based on your inputs, filing Married Filing Jointly would result in the lowest combined tax liability.

Understanding the Marriage Tax Impact

How Marriage Affects Your Taxes

Getting married can significantly impact your tax situation, sometimes creating what’s known as the “marriage penalty” or “marriage bonus.” This calculator helps you understand how different filing statuses will affect your combined tax liability.

Key Factors in Marriage Taxation

  • Income Disparity: Couples with large income differences often see a marriage bonus
  • Deductions: Combined deductions may be more or less valuable when filing jointly
  • Tax Brackets: Married brackets aren’t always double the single brackets
  • Credits: Some tax credits have different limits for married couples

Filing Status Options

When married, you have three main filing options:

  1. Married Filing Jointly: Combines all income and deductions
  2. Married Filing Separately: Files two separate returns with different rules
  3. Head of Household: Only available if you meet specific requirements

Common Marriage Tax Scenarios

  • Two High Earners: Often face a marriage penalty due to bracket compression
  • One High, One Low Earner: Typically receive a marriage bonus
  • Self-Employed Couples: May benefit from combined business deductions
  • Couples with Dependents: Child-related credits can be affected by marriage