I got married in Oct 2017. Is it better to file married/jointly instead of married/single? I worked a full year. My husband was on unemployment from mid sept to dec.

[IreneS]

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.