Category: Taxes Made Simple Subcategory: Filing Status
π« What Are Your Options as a Married Couple?
When you're married, the IRS gives you two choices: Married Filing Jointly (MFJ) or Married Filing Separately (MFS). Most couples save more by filing jointly, but not always. The right choice depends on your income, deductions, and future plans. Letβs break it down based on 2025 IRS rules.
π΅ 2025 Standard Deduction Amounts (Under Age 65)
- π Married Filing Jointly: $31,500
- π€ Married Filing Separately: $15,750 per spouse
Bonus for Seniors: If either spouse is 65+, you can deduct an additional $6,000 under the One Big Beautiful Bill for tax years 2025β2028. This deduction phases out starting at $75,000 individual income or $150,000 joint income.
π Key Benefits of Married Filing Jointly
- β
Access to higher standard deduction
- β
Tax credits are easier to qualify for: Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Education Credits
- β
Better phase-out limits on deductions and credits
- β
Simpler paperwork (one tax return)
π© When Married Filing Separately Might Help
- π One spouse had high medical expenses (to exceed 7.5% of AGI more easily)
- π One spouse is on an income-driven student loan plan
- π Divorce or legal separation is underway
- πΌ Keeping finances separate for liability reasons
β οΈ Heads up: If one spouse itemizes deductions, the other must too. No mixing standard and itemized deductions when filing separately.
π Comparison Chart: Joint vs Separate
| Tax Feature |
Married Filing Jointly |
Married Filing Separately |
| Standard Deduction (2025) |
$31,500 |
$15,750 each |
| Child Tax Credit |
βοΈ |
β (Disqualified) |
| Earned Income Credit |
βοΈ |
β (Disqualified) |
| Student Loan Interest Deduction |
βοΈ |
β |
| IRA Contribution Deductions |
βοΈ (Full deduction allowed) |
β (Greatly reduced) |
| Capital Loss Deduction |
$3,000 |
$1,500 each |
π§Ύ Audit-Proof Your Return with Zoho Expense
Whether you take the standard or itemized deduction, we recommend tracking your household expenses using Zoho Expense or a digital folder in Google Drive or OneDrive:
- πΈ Snap photos of receipts using the Drive or OneDrive app
- π Organize each receipt in a tax-year folderβmost free email accounts offer up to 50GB storage
- π§Ύ In Zoho Expense, categorize every transaction (medical, mortgage interest, charity, etc.)
- π Sync to your Zoho Books or Gbooks account for audit readiness
Need help? Ask a Gbooks advisor to review your Zoho Expense log before filing.
π οΈ Related Articles
married filing jointly, married filing separately, filing status 2025, tax credits for couples, standard deduction married, MFS vs MFJ, One Big Beautiful Bill deductions, IRS rules married couples
Updated for tax year 2025. Gbooks Solutions provides IRS-compliant guidance but does not offer legal advice. Consult a tax professional for personalized advice.
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