MFJ vs MFS
Married Filing Jointly usually saves more tax. MFS makes sense specifically when one spouse has high medical expenses, one spouse is on an income-based student loan plan, or there's a divorce in progress.
W-4 updates for both spouses
File new W-4s with both employers. The default W-4 assumes a single filer, which overwithholds most new couples and creates a refund. The IRS tax withholding estimator helps set the right amount.
Common questions
- What's the marriage penalty?
- When two high earners combine, their joint income pushes into higher brackets than their separate returns did. It's a real phenomenon at specific income combinations.
Related
Personal Income Tax Preparation
Federal and state 1040 preparation with year-round planning. We handle W-2, 1099, K-1, rental, and crypto income for individuals in Florida and all 50 states.
Tax Planning
Year-round tax planning for individuals and business owners. We project the year's income quarterly and model decisions before they become tax liabilities.
Tax Changes After Divorce
Filing status, Child Tax Credit assignment via Form 8332, and QDRO retirement splits after divorce. Post-2018 alimony is neither deductible nor taxable.