Marriage Tax Calculator
See if marriage raises or lowers your taxes.
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About the Marriage Tax Calculator
Marriage can raise or lower a couple's federal income tax. Enter both spouses' incomes and the calculator compares the tax filing jointly against the total if each filed as a single, revealing a marriage penalty (you pay more) or bonus (you pay less). It uses the 2025 federal brackets and standard deduction for a clear estimate.
How to use the Marriage Tax Calculator
- 01Enter your both spouses' incomes.
- 02Read the result instantly — it recalculates as you type.
- 03Adjust the numbers to model different scenarios.
Frequently asked questions
What is the marriage penalty?
When a couple pays more filing jointly than they would as two singles — most common when both earn similar high incomes. This tool shows your exact figure.
Is there a marriage bonus?
Yes — couples with very different incomes often pay less jointly, because the higher earner's income is taxed at lower brackets when combined.