If you are married and elect to file without your husband (and his income), you must use the "married filing separately" filing status. If you file with your husband using the "married filing jointly" filing status, your standard deduction increases from $12,000 to $24,000 (assuming your are not age 65). In most cases, it is advisable to file jointly. If your husband's income is only $9,000 you would have a lower tax by filing jointly.
Of course, you CAN file without your husband if you so elect, or if he refuses to file jointly with you.
