The Marriage Penalty or Bonus? Find Out with Our Free Tax Calculator

Getting married has significant financial implications, and one of the most immediate is how you file your taxes. Depending on your combined income, you might face a "marriage penalty" (paying more tax together than you would as two singles) or a "marriage bonus" (paying less). Our Free Marriage Tax Calculator is designed to help you estimate this impact, providing a clear comparison based on the latest federal tax laws.

Understanding the Calculator Fields

This Marriage Tax Calculator requires the financial details for both you and your spouse to create an accurate comparison:

• Income: Enter all sources of income for each spouse, including salary, business income, interest, and short-term capital gains.
• Deductible Savings: Input any pre-tax contributions to retirement accounts like a Traditional IRA or 401(k). These are "above-the-line" deductions that lower your adjusted gross income (AGI).

The calculator automatically compares the outcome of filing as "Married Filing Jointly" against the combined outcome of two "Single" filers using the same income and deduction data.

How the Marriage Tax Calculator Formula Works

Our Free Calculator runs two scenarios simultaneously to show you the bottom-line difference:

1. Two Singles Scenario: The calculator computes the tax liability for each spouse individually. It determines their AGI, subtracts the standard deduction for a single filer, and then applies the "Single" tax brackets to their taxable income. The two individual tax bills are then added together.
2. Married Filing Jointly Scenario: The calculator combines both spouses' incomes and deductions. It subtracts the much larger standard deduction for joint filers and then applies the wider "Married Filing Jointly" tax brackets to the combined taxable income.

The "marriage penalty" often occurs when both spouses earn similar, high incomes, as their combined income can push them into a higher tax bracket than they would be in individually. Conversely, a "marriage bonus" often occurs when there is a significant income disparity between spouses, as the higher earner can benefit from the lower tax brackets that apply to the lower earner's portion of the income. This Marriage Tax Calculator does the math for you, providing a clear, data-driven estimate of your tax situation as a married couple.

Disclaimer

This calculator is intended for informational and estimation purposes only and is based on the 2025 projected tax brackets. It does not account for all possible deductions, credits, or state and local taxes. It should not be considered legal or financial advice. Please consult with a qualified tax professional for advice tailored to your specific situation.