is it better to file jointly or separately 
married couples have the option of filing their tax returns jointly or separately depending on which filing status suits their needs the irs provides tax breaks and credits to couples who file joint returns it also offers them one of the larger standard deductions assuming you don t itemize deductions on your tax return together the benefits tends to make this filing more attractive than filing separately combining incomes for a joint filing can often result in a lower effective tax rate particularly if one spouse earns significantly more than the other spouse however a couple may choose to file separately if for example they have high adjusted gross incomes and significant out of pocket medical expenses filing separately might allow them to meet the irs rule for those costs being a percentage of agi and to therefore get the write off or if a couple is applying for student loans filing separately might allow them to get more aid these are just two of the reasons why filing separately may be beneficial for a married couple 