Ask the Expert: Should a Married Couple File Taxes Jointly or Separately?

As tax season approaches, are you wondering whether you and your spouse should file taxes together? Federally licensed tax practitioner Emily Seo offers advice on how to know whether you should file jointly or separately as a married couple.

Is there a quick way to know if a husband and wife are better off filing taxes jointly or separately? What considerations should they take?

In most cases, you will pay more combined federal tax when filing separately rather than jointly because the special rules apply. For example, if you file separately, you cannot take the credit for higher education, the deduction for student loan interest, or the tuition and fees deduction. In addition, you cannot take the exclusion or credit for adoption expenses and the credit for child and dependent care expenses in most instances.