In
general, the married filing jointly status is the most beneficial, even
if only one spouse has income. If you were married on December 31, 2017,
you have the following choices:
- Married filing Jointly
- Married Filing Separately
Married
Filing Jointly is usually better than filing separately.
When you file a joint return, you and your spouse will each receive the $4,050
personal exemption, plus the married filing jointly standard deduction of
$12,700. Normally you are also eligible for more credits (child tax
credit, education credits, earned income credit, child and dependent care
credit).
Keep in
mind that if you are married and file separately, you both must
itemize your deductions on each of your returns, or both of you must take
the standard deduction.
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