Marriage Tax Calculator
Compare joint vs separate (US 2024).
Inputs
$
$
Result
Filing Separately$16,506.00
Filing Jointly$16,506.00
Marriage Penalty$0.00
About the Marriage Tax Calculator
The Marriage Tax Calculator compares the combined federal tax you'd pay filing single versus married filing jointly, to see whether your marriage produces a bonus or a penalty.
Calculation method
Runs the progressive bracket calculation twice — once with each spouse's income filed single, and once with combined income and married-joint brackets — then compares.
Marriage penalty/bonus = Joint tax − (Single tax A + Single tax B)How to use this calculator
- Enter each spouse's income.
- See the tax under each filing scenario.
Example
Two earners at $200,000 each may pay a marriage penalty of a few thousand dollars because the top-bracket thresholds don't double for joint filers.
Frequently asked questions
When is there a marriage penalty?
Usually when both spouses earn similar high incomes — the joint brackets don't fully double at the top, so combined income pushes into higher brackets faster.
When is there a marriage bonus?
When one spouse earns much more than the other; the higher earner benefits from the wider joint brackets.
Should I file separately?
Rarely. Married filing separately loses key credits (student loan interest, education, EITC) and usually costs more. Talk to a CPA before choosing.
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified professional for decisions specific to your situation.