We got married last year, and were told that, all things considered, filing jointly is usually better than separately. So far, the benefits are not clear. Apart, we usually get around $1500 apiece for federal refund, and $100-150 apiece for state refund. Filing jointly, we make slightly less than that for the federal refund, but state has gone far in the other direction, with us owing about $250 apiece.
What could be the reason for this? Should we file separately? Not much has changed for us, income wise. Her income from work went up slightly. I did a pittance of trading on an app. What gives? We're average folks!!
