Wife didn't have insurance filing together we get the full penalty. I did separate filings and the return was better separate than together. Did i input something wrong?

[DanielV01 · Accepted solution]

Not necessarily.  While generally speaking, filing jointly yields a better result than separate, this is one situation where you might get a better result filing separately, because only her income is considered for the penalty instead of both of yours.  Double check the combined result (don't be fooled by just the apparent savings on one return, but rather add the two together).  If you are getting greater savings filing separately, then use that method.  (Comment if you are from a community property state, however, because that can complicate things if you file separately).

[abelito4now]

No I'm not from a community property state. It came out that when she filed separately, "im assuming its due to low income" they don't put a penalty but together they did. Thank you for the response.

[DanielV01]

That may well be the case.  Again, double-check your joint result to make sure you are getting the best tax savings.