Yes.
In most cases it is
better for a married couple to choose Married Filing Jointly filing status,
even if one spouse had little or no income. This allows you the possibility of
claiming several tax credits that are disallowed to Married Filing Separately filers.
In addition, you benefit from the higher $24,000 Standard Deduction.
For 2018, the
increased Standard Deduction amounts for all filers are:
- Single or Married filing
separately—$12,000.
- Married filing jointly or
Qualifying widow(er)—$24,000.
- Head of household—$18,000.
Also, Married Filing Jointly allows you to be eligible for certain tax credits that are denied to those who are Married Filing Separately.
