Got married this year, should we file jointly?

ToyotaDriver
ToyotaDriver Member, Star Posts: 14
edited December 2024 in Situation & Life Changes

I got married this year, but I'm not sure if we should file jointly or not. We make about the same amount of money.

Best Answer

  • KristineS
    KristineS FreeTaxUSA Agent Posts: 181
    Answer ✓

    Hi ToyotaDriver,

    Congrats on getting married! Woohoo!!!

    Since you're married in 2024, you'll have the option of filing married filing jointly or married filing separately. You may choose whichever filing status is more advantageous and run the two different scenarios in FreeTaxUSA software. You'd need two accounts. Create both accounts as married filing separate, then you can change one of them to married filing jointly. Please be aware if you or your spouse claims itemized deductions, you must both claim itemized deductions.

    In the beginning of 2025, I recommend you both check/update your Form(s) W-4 at your respective places of work to coordinate the optimal amount of withholding tax coming out of your paychecks.

    You can also use the IRS Withholding Tax Calculator as another resource.