Married couples have the option to file jointly or separately on their federal income tax returns. The IRS strongly encourages most couples to file joint tax returns by extending several tax breaks to those who file together.

Even if you or your spouse had no income or deductions, you can still file a joint return. In contrast, you use the Married Filing Separately status to report your own income, exemptions, deductions, and credits on two separate tax returns. Even if only one of you had income, you can still file a separate return.

Can a married couple file their taxes separately?

When filing separately, the couple files two separate tax returns. A spouse puts their income, expenses, and deductions on one federal return. The other spouse puts their information on a completely different tax filing. When filing separately, if one spouse itemizes their deductions, the other spouse must do the same.

When do you have to file taxes with your spouse?

What tax filing status you can choose depends in part on your legal status as of December 31 of the tax year. For IRS purposes, you are married for the entire tax year if, by December 31, you have no separation maintenance agreement. If the IRS considers you married, your filing options are limited.

What are the advantages of filing your taxes with your spouse?

Filing a joint tax return with your spouse has many advantages, like receiving one of the largest standard deductions every year and providing several tax breaks for those who choose to file jointly.

Is it better to file a joint or separately tax return?

Your income tax filing status affects the rate at which you are taxed and determines which tax credits you are eligible for. Often, filing a joint tax return results in lower tax liability than filing separately—so consider how much the ability to file separately is worth to you, in dollars and cents.