topic Filing Status in Deductions & credits

Filing Status

debhag — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 10:58:01 GMT

My husband is collecting Social Security and I am working full time. What is the best filing status for us? I have heard that married, filing separately could work? Should I change my withholdings?

Re: Filing Status

JohnB5677 — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 19:25:15 GMT

For the 2021 tax year (which you will file in 2022). If your combined income was more than $34,000, you will pay taxes on up to 85% of your Social Security benefits.

However, the standard deduction each of you can take is cut in half to $12,550. If you itemize your deductions you can take all of them, and your husband would be left with none.

Filing Married Filing Separate could work, but you can't know without trying. If you have the desktop CD version you can do up to 5 tax returns. If you're using online you can open 2 additional accounts. Then you can try it and see how it comes out.

Re: Filing Status

LudwigVan_fan — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 19:25:57 GMT

Generally speaking, married filing joint is the best option. More income taxed at lower rates. MFS has higher tax rates at lower income levels.

MFJ has more access to tax breaks.

MFS is usually reserved for special situations...such as if you're separated from your spouse; want some legal/financial protection from the tax information your spouse is reporting; want to maximize itemized deductions.

Unless you have some special situation or need, I would recommend MFJ

Re: Filing Status

xmasbaby0 — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 19:27:13 GMT

N,o you should file a joint return. If you file separate returns then 85% of his Social Security will be taxable. If you file a joint return you get the married filing jointly standard deduction of $25,550. (+ $1350 for each spouse 65 or older)

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/married/help/is-it-better-for-a-married-couple-to-file-jointly-or-separately/00/25590