Why will I pay more taxes on my social security income if I file married filing separately than I would filing single

[DoninGA · Accepted solution]

If you are legally married you have no option to file as Single.  Your options are Married Filing Jointly or Married Filing Separately.

Up to 85% of Social Security Retirement/Disability/Survivors benefits becomes taxable when all your other income plus 1/2 your social security reaches:

• Married Filing Jointly - $32,000
• Single or Head of Household - $25,000
• Married Filing Separately - 0