26 Nov Could it be better to file taxes separate from my spouse?

Q. How can I tell if there is an advantage in filing married separately instead of jointly?
— Unsure

A. We’re glad you’re asking.

There are ways to tell.

First, though, know the vast majority of married taxpayers file joint income tax returns as this typically results in a lower federal income tax compared with the sum of the federal income tax liabilities that would be reported if the spouses file their income tax returns on a separate basis, said Neil Becourtney, a certified public accountant and tax director with Smolin, Lupin & Co. in Red Bank.

“Common situations where married taxpayers file separately are where they are going through a divorce and unable to work together on joint filings, a second marriage between a widow and widower where finances are not combined and where finances are kept separate from the outset of a marriage due to the execution of a prenuptial agreement,” he said.

The only way to determine if a lower tax would be achieved by filing separately is to calculate the tax both jointly and separately, Becourtney said.

“Effectively three tax calculations — draft tax returns — would need to be generated that would involve splitting any joint income,” he said. “When it comes to deductions, both spouses must either claim itemized deductions or both spouses must claim the standard deduction.”

The use of commercial tax software would greatly reduce the time it would take to make these calculations. IRS Publication 504, Divorced or Separated Individuals  may be a useful tool.

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This story was originally published in November 2025.

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