How two incomes are taxed together
Joint filing stacks both incomes into one return with doubled brackets and a doubled standard deduction. When one earner makes much more, the lower income falls into the wider low brackets — that is the marriage bonus.
When two high earners pay a penalty
Above the top brackets, doubled thresholds are slightly less than twice the single ones, so two similar high incomes can pay a little more married than single. The calculator shows which side you land on.
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Read the guideFAQ
Is it better to file jointly or separately?
Jointly, for most couples — wider brackets and the bigger deduction usually win. Separate filing helps in narrow cases (income-driven student loans, big medical bills for one spouse).
What is the marriage penalty?
When two similar high incomes pay more tax married than they would single, because some joint thresholds are less than double the single ones.
Does FICA change when married?
No — Social Security and Medicare are computed per person, per job, regardless of filing status.
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