A lot of people assume that they will get more money back by filing separately while married. This is not necessarily true. Married couples get a larger filing status deduction which reduces taxable income.
You also don't have to file separately when trying to avoid debt of the other spouse. You cannot use Single or Head of household when you are married and filing separate unless you meet certain requirements. Getting caught by the IRS for using the wrong filing status could result in penalties such as the inability to claim EIC for a nice amount of years.
It is for these reasons, you should get a side by side comparison to see which filing is more advantageous for you and the household before filing. Also, it is a good idea to discuss finances, budgeting, and household goals before your first filing as a married couple to get the best results. Remember, you and I becomes WE after the "I do". What happens to one affects the other.
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