It's almost always better to file MFJ than MFS - though it does depend on your personal situation.

One of the most common reasons for filing MFS is liability: either you don't trust your spouse or your spouse may have a tax liability that you don't wish to be responsible for. And no, I'm not kidding.

But assuming that doesn't apply to you, MFJ tends to be economically better for most married folks. Tax rates tend to be higher for MFS (they are more compressed) than MFJ - or singles, for that matter. Additionally, you lose a number of credits and deductions that might otherwise be beneficial. Phaseouts for items like IRAs tend to be lower (a bad thing, this means that you may not qualify if your incomes are higher).

The single most important determining factor for most couples, however, is itemizing. If you file MSF, each spouse must agree to itemize or take the standard deduction - you must make the same choice. One spouse may not opt to itemize and the other take the standard deduction. This could result in your losing the ability to claim mortgage deductions and more.

And oh yeah, you also have to file two tax returns. Really, you want to do that?

Married filing jointly vs married filing separately: I have only one job and my wife does not work. She goes to school and we have 1 child.
What is best? Thank you in advanced

My husband will owed based on 1099 contractor earnings, and I will receive a refund. Should we file jointly or separately?

DAVEINVA I was laid off and my new job is 3 hours away where I rent a house (moved in May so didnt live with wife for second half of year). My wife takes care of her mother and our 15 year old daughter. Would it be best for us to both claim head of household? With me claiming our daughter as my dependant and my wife claiming her mother?

MYLDY, The short answer is that offsets can only be used against the person who owes the liability. The part of your daughter-in-law's refund attributable to her should remain protected. That said, this sounds like a complicated situation and I would highly recommend contacting a tax professional.

D2B4M, I would say that you're still probably better off filing MFJ. I recommend that you run the numbers and see.

my son owes back child support...his IRS returns always go to his son's mother....she wants to go after the new wife's return.....he got married last year (she has a son) and they want to file separtely and let.her take head of household. Is this a good way to go....they were told to file separely otherwise the new wife's return will go for back child support.....what to do?

Ok how about my wife and I both earn about 25k a year and have no kids, no educational needs, nothing. How should we file?

Without knowing more, I'd say file together. This is the classic scenario for which MFJ benefits a married couple: one primary wage earner and "double" deductions.

We got married this year. My wife got laid off in August and I am the main supporter. She is collecting unemployment benefits. Should we file together or separate? My salary is currently at three times what her salary was and I itemized last year while she took the standard deduction.