A couple pays a “marriage penalty” if the partners pay more income tax as a married couple than they would pay as unmarried individuals. Conversely, the couple receives a “marriage bonus” if the partners pay less income tax as a married couple than they would pay as unmarried individuals. This calculator lets you create specific situations to see how much federal income tax two people might pay if they were to marry. It compares the taxes a married
couple would pay filing a joint return with what they would pay if they were not married and each filed as single or head of household. The calculator does not compare the taxes a married couple would pay filing jointly with what they would pay if married and filing separately. Under the See Detailed Breakdown button, the alternative minimum tax is included in the computation of total taxes. Including the alternative minimum tax may cause the couple’s taxes to differ depending on whether or not
they marry. The calculator does not cover every possible tax situation and omits more complex aspects of the tax code. For example, it does not allow cases with more than four children or allow for certain deductions or credits. The calculator also excludes temporary provisions that were enacted in 2020 to provide assistance to taxpayers during the pandemic (such as the $300 deduction for charitable contributions by taxpayers who do not itemize) as well as any other changes to the tax
code enacted after December 31, 2020. Total Children Choose number of children (up to four). For each child, choose an age range.
First Child
If you aren’t (or weren’t) married, associate your first child with…
Second Child
If you aren’t (or weren’t) married, associate your second child with…
Third Child
If you aren’t (or weren’t) married, associate your third child with…
Fourth Child
If you aren’t (or weren’t) married, associate your fourth child with…
Taxpayers may claim the child and dependent care tax credit for expenses incurred providing care for children under age 13 so parents can work. Your PartnerChild care Expenses Do you have income?Enter values for income sources you wish to include; leave other values at zero. YouWage and Salary All income from paid employment, including tips, bonuses, and the like. This calculator assumes no exclusions to wages and salary income such as contributions to 401(k) retirement plans. Long-Term Capital Gains and Dividends Capital gains from the sale of assets held for longer than one year and qualifying dividends. Social Security Benefits All benefits for retirees, survivors, and dependents. Tax-Exempt Interest Interest on instruments such as municipal bonds that is exempt from the federal individual income tax. Other Taxable Income Income from all other taxable sources. Business Income Net income from a sole proprietorship, partnership, S corporation, limited liability company, or other business. We assume all business income is subject to self-employment taxes. Your PartnerWage and Salary All income from paid employment, including tips, bonuses, and the like. This calculator assumes no exclusions to wages and salary income such as contributions to 401(k) retirement plans. Long-Term Capital Gains and Dividends Capital gains from the sale of assets held for longer than one year and qualifying dividends. Social Security Benefits All benefits for retirees, survivors, and dependents. Tax-Exempt Interest Interest on instruments such as municipal bonds that is exempt from the federal individual income tax. Other Taxable Income Income from all other taxable sources. Business Income Net income from a sole proprietorship, partnership, S corporation, limited liability company, or other business. We assume all business income is subject to self-employment taxes. Is either your or your partner's business income from a professional services business? Professional services businesses are those in which the principal asset is the reputation or skill of its employees (e.g. doctors, lawyers, or accountants).
Do you want to itemize your deductions?Standard DeductionTax filers may either claim a standard deduction based on their filing status or itemize their deductions. The calculator uses the standard deduction unless you choose to itemize. To enter itemized deduction, click “Yes” above and enter values for the expenses on the list that appears. If you choose to itemize, the calculator may substitute the standard deduction if that option results in less income tax being owed. 2021Standard Deductions - No Children Standard Deductions - Single With Children Standard Deductions - Married Enter values for deductions you wish to itemize; leave other values at zero. YouState and Local Tax Payments Either income or sales tax payments (excluding property taxes) to state and local governments and property taxes to state and local governments. Mortgage Interest Mortgage interest paid on primary residence. Charitable Contributions Donations to charitable organizations or certain causes. Medical Expenses Qualifying medical expenses include out-of-pocket medical expenses on preventive care, treament, surgeries, and dental and vision care. Enter the total amount of expenses, not just the deductible portion. Your PartnerState and Local Tax Payments Either income or sales tax payments (excluding property taxes) to state and local governments and property taxes to state and local governments. Mortgage Interest Mortgage interest paid on primary residence. Charitable Contributions Donations to charitable organizations or certain causes. Medical Expenses Qualifying medical expenses include out-of-pocket medical expenses on preventive care, treament, surgeries, and dental and vision care. Enter the total amount of expenses, not just the deductible portion. If you marry and file a joint tax return, you would pay $ more income taxes. less income taxes. the same income taxes. Tax as two individuals$ Tax as a married couple$Difference as a percentage of couple's adjusted gross income% Tax Calculation
CreditsThe Tax Policy Center is a joint venture of the Urban Institute and Brookings Institution. TPC is made up of nationally recognized experts in tax, budget, and social policy who have served at the highest levels of government. It aims to provide independent analyses of current and longer-term tax issues and to communicate its analyses to the public and to policymakers in a timely and accessible manner. TPC combines top national experts in tax, expenditure, budget policy, and microsimulation modeling to concentrate on areas of tax policy that are critical to future debate. RESEARCH: Tax Policy Center staff DEVELOPMENT: David D’Orio, Jessica Kelly, Chenxi Lu, Michelle Menezes, and Noah Zwiefel. What is standard withholding for married filing jointly?The standard deduction is a specific dollar amount that reduces your taxable income. For the 2022 tax year, the standard deduction is $25,900 for joint filers, $19,400 for heads of household, and $12,950 for single filers and those married filing separately.
What percentage should I withhold for federal taxes?The federal withholding tax has seven rates for 2021: 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%. The federal withholding tax rate an employee owes depends on their income level and filing status. This all depends on whether you're filing as single, married jointly or married separately, or head of household.
What is the best withholding on w4 for married?Married: W-4 married status should be used if you are married and are filing jointly. Married, but withhold at higher Single rate: This status should be used if you are married but filing separately, or if both spouses work and have similar income.
Should I claim 0 or 1 if I am married filing jointly?You should claim 1 allowance if you are married and filing jointly. If you are filing as the head of the household, then you would also claim 1 allowance.
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