Marriage Tax Calculator
Calculate whether you'll have a marriage tax penalty or bonus based on your combined incomes.
What is the marriage tax penalty?
The marriage tax penalty occurs when a married couple pays more in taxes filing jointly than they would as two single filers. This typically affects couples with similar incomes in higher tax brackets. The penalty exists because married filing jointly brackets aren't always exactly double the single brackets.
Is there a marriage tax bonus?
Yes! Couples with significantly different incomes often receive a marriage tax bonus, paying less married than as single filers. This happens when one spouse earns significantly more than the other, moving the lower earner's income into lower tax brackets when combined.
Should we file jointly or separately?
Most couples benefit from filing jointly due to higher standard deduction ($27,700 vs $13,850 in 2026) and income thresholds. Married filing separately loses many tax credits and deductions. Use this calculator to compare scenarios for your specific situation.
How are 2026 tax brackets different for married couples?
In 2026, married filing jointly brackets are exactly double single brackets for most income levels, reducing the marriage penalty. However, the 35% and 37% brackets aren't perfectly doubled, which can still create a penalty for very high earners.