Married - File Jointly or Separately?

[jadeschultz2025]

My husband and I married in 2023, and last year we filed Married Separately, which didn't seem like an issue.

This year, we want to maximize our refunds (and or decrease what we have to pay in). I make around 100K per year, he makes a bit more but also is able to itemize his information as he pays for home taxes, stocks, etc.

What would be the best option for us?

[CatinaT1]

It is almost always better to file jointly.  There are some special circumstances where it is better to file separately.

Here is a great article explaining the advantages of filing jointly and the consequences of filing separately.  It also gives you some instances when it might be better to file separately: Filing Jointly vs Separately