Which filing status do I choose?

[Mrs--Odoms]

I was married March 2016 but my spouse does not work and when I select filing status "Married" my refund decreases. Am I being charged for his taxes if he never worked? In Texas, can I choose "Married Filing Separate"? which filing status is right? Is there a penalty for filing separate? 

[Texas Roger · Accepted solution]

You would choose married filing jointly. This would not cause your refund to decrease if your spouse had no income because you get a larger standard deduction and an additional $4050 personal exemption that are both subtracted from your gross income to arrive at your taxable income. Have you entered your spouse's name and social security number and chosen married filing jointly as your filing status?

Married Filing Separately should result in higher taxes for you. It is also complicated in Texas because Texas is a community property state.

[Mrs--Odoms]

Thank you Roger!