My wife had a part time job and made less than 8,000 but only paid 55 in taxes. Should we file separately or jointly?

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

Joint should always be better.

It is usually better to file Joint. Joint has the lowest tax rates and the highest Standard Deduction.   And if you are in a Community Property state MFS gets tricky to figure out.  Here's some things to consider about filing separately……

In the first place you each have to file a separate return, so that's two returns.  And if you are using the Online version that means using 2 accounts and paying the fees twice.  

Many people think they come out better when filing Married Filing Separate but they are probably doing it wrong.  If one person itemizes deductions then the other one must itemize too, even if it's less than the standard deduction, even if it is ZERO!  

And there are several credits you can't take when filing separately, like the
EITC Earned Income Tax Credit
Child Care Credit
Educational Deductions and Credits

And contributions to IRA and ROTH IRA are limited when you file MFS.

Also if you file Married Filing Separately up to 85% of your Social Security becomes taxable even with no other income.

See …….
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894449-married-filing-jointly-vs-married-filing-separately

[SharonC1]

Most often, you are better off using married filing joint filing status.  However, there are certain times when married filing separate can be better.  

Take a look at the link article for instructions on how to compare the two statuses for your tax situation.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/4775330