Should I file separately or jointly

[ken2]

just got married September 2016.  We are both over 65.  She has 80,000 in income due to pension and social security; I have social security and a small income of 5000.

[IreneS · Accepted solution]

Congratulations on your marriage!

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 $12,600. 

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.  There is an exception to this--if you didn't live with your spouse at any time between July 1, 2016, and December 31, 2016.