<prompt> Human: We both work jobs with W2s, have 401k, own a house, no kids... Im just not familiar enough with the lay of the land on this topic. Was hoping to learn some proscons if anyone has wisdom to impart, or suggestions of good info to read. Feel free to take an explain-it-like-Im-5 approach.  <response>: Its not hard. You should explore your total refund married filing separately as well as married filing jointly and choose whichever is bigger. Typically unless you have a large income disparity between you there really isnt much change. 