What are the tax benefits of marriage? 2025-2026
Getting married does more than change your relationship status it can also affect your taxes in ways that save you money. Many couples don’t realize that marriage can lower their tax bill, open the door to new deductions, and allow them to qualify for credits that single filers cannot claim. When used correctly, the tax benefits of marriage can add up to thousands in savings every year.
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How Marriage Affects Your Filing Status
After getting married, you must choose one of two filing options:
Married Filing Jointly (MFJ)
This is the option most couples use because it offers:
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Lower tax brackets
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A higher standard deduction
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More tax credits
-
Simpler filing process
Married Filing Separately (MFS)
This option only makes sense if:
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One spouse has very high medical expenses
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One spouse has federal student loan repayment under income-driven plans
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There are legal/financial reasons to keep tax liabilities separate
In 90%+ of cases, filing jointly results in more tax benefits.
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IRS Tax Brackets for 2026 (Married vs. Single)
The IRS adjusts tax brackets every year for inflation. Below are projected 2026 brackets, showing how marriage gives couples wider income ranges before entering higher tax levels.
2026 Federal Income Tax Brackets (Projected Based on IRS Inflation Formula)
|
Tax Rate |
Single Filers (2026) |
Married Filing Jointly (2026) |
|
10% |
Up to $12,200 |
Up to $24,400 |
|
12% |
$12,201–$49,800 |
$24,401–$99,600 |
|
22% |
$49,801–$105,900 |
$99,601–$211,800 |
|
24% |
$105,901–$199,500 |
$211,801–$399,000 |
|
32% |
$199,501–$253,800 |
$399,001–$507,600 |
|
35% |
$253,801–$635,500 |
$507,601–$761,800 |
|
37% |
Over $635,500 |
Over $761,800 |
Marriage Benefit: Married couples get nearly double the income range before hitting higher tax brackets its a major tax-saving advantage.
Higher Standard Deduction for Married Couples
|
Filing Status |
2025 Standard Deduction |
2026 Standard Deduction (Projected) |
|
Single |
$15,000 |
$15,450 |
|
Married Filing Jointly |
$30,000 |
$30,900 |
|
Head of Household |
$22,500 |
$23,100 |
Married couples get twice the deduction, reducing taxable income significantly.
Tax Credits That Increase When You’re Married
Marriage increases income limits for several credits, allowing couples to qualify even with higher combined earnings.
Major Tax Credits for Married Couples
|
Tax Credit |
Maximum Amount (2026) |
Why Marriage Helps |
|
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) |
Up to $7,950 |
Joint income thresholds increase |
|
Child Tax Credit |
Up to $2,100 per child (pending 2026 updates) |
Larger phase-out limits |
|
Lifetime Learning Credit |
Up to $2,500 |
Higher combined tuition eligibility |
|
Saver’s Retirement Credit |
Up to $2,400 |
Married couples qualify with higher AGI |
Spousal IRA Contributions
Even if one spouse does not work, the working spouse can contribute to an IRA on their behalf.
2026 IRA Contribution Limits (Projected)
|
Account Type |
Per Person Limit |
Married Couple Limit |
|
Traditional IRA |
$7,500 ($8,500 if 50+) |
$15,000 ($17,000 if 50+) |
|
Roth IRA Income Phase-Out |
Starts at ~$145,000 |
Starts at ~$230,000 |
Marriage allows couples to double retirement contributions, growing tax-advantaged savings faster.
Marriage-Related Tax Benefits to Know
1. Higher Income Phase-Outs for Credits
Credits like CTC, EITC, and LLC now allow higher AGI for married couples.
2. Better Retirement Savings Opportunities
Joint filers can qualify for more contribution-based tax benefits.
3. Reduced “Marriage Penalty”
Current IRS updates aim to reduce tax penalties for dual-income households.
4. Increased Flexibility for Deduction Planning
Couples can maximize deductions using joint strategies for:
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Mortgage interest
-
Charitable donations
-
Medical expenses
Other Tax Changes After Marriage You Should Handle Early
Update Your Name with SSA
Your tax return must match your Social Security records.
Update Your W-4 Withholding
Your tax bracket changes → adjust withholding to avoid owing at year-end.
Combine or Organize Financial Records
Joint filing requires consistent documentation for income, deductions, and credits.
When Filing Jointly Doesn’t Help
You might consider filing separately if:
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One spouse has very high medical expenses
-
One spouse has IRS debt or legal liabilities
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Student loan repayment is affected by joint AGI
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You want to separate tax responsibility
(Still, filing jointly usually wins.)
How SK Financial CPA Helps Married Couples
Marriage brings many tax advantages, but every couple’s situation is different. We analyze both incomes, deductions, credits, and future plans to help couples:
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Lower their taxes legally
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Maximize marriage-based credits
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Optimize withholdings
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Increase retirement savings
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Plan for long-term financial growth
With 24+ years of experience and thousands of clients, we make tax planning simple and stress-free.
FAQs
1. What is the IRS marriage tax benefit for 2026?
Lower tax brackets, a higher standard deduction (~$30,900), access to more credits, and the ability to file jointly.
2. Do married couples pay less taxes than singles?
Yes, in most cases. Joint filers get wider tax brackets and higher deductions.
3. Is it better to file jointly or separately?
Jointly is better for over 90% of couples unless unique financial issues require separate filing.
4. Does marriage affect the Child Tax Credit?
Yes. Married couples get higher income phase-out limits, making it easier to qualify.
5. Can my spouse contribute to my IRA if I don’t work?
Yes, through a Spousal IRA contribution—up to $15,000 combined in 2026.
6. Does marriage increase or reduce tax refunds?
It depends on income, withholding, and deductions, but many couples receive larger refunds after filing jointly.
7. How do I update my tax status after marriage?
File jointly or separately on your return and update your W-4 with your employer.
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