Will we lower taxes filing separately instead jointly?

[pspaulding82]

Filing jointly, both on social security, Both worked, and was taxed on 50% of social security income.

[VolvoGirl]

Probably not.  MFS is the worst way to file.  Joint is almost always better.  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.  The Desktop CD/Download program would be better to use.

Many people think they come out better when filing Married Filing Separate but they are probably doing it wrong.  If one person itemizes deductions on Schedule A then the other one must itemize too, even if it's less than the standard deduction, even if it is ZERO!  And if you are in a Community Property state it can be complicated to figure out.

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 right away even with zero other income.

See …….

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/married/help/is-it-better-for-a-married-couple-to-file-jointly-or-...

[DavidD66]

You almost always pay less tax when you file jointly as opposed to married filing separate.  There are exceptions, and the only way to know for sure is to prepare tax returns each way.  That said, I would be shocked if you didn't pay pay filing separate.