Marriage Tax Calculator
See whether getting married raises or lowers your 2026 federal income tax.
About the Marriage Tax Calculator
Joint brackets are twice the single brackets up to the 35% rate, so couples with uneven incomes usually get a marriage bonus. Couples with two high, similar incomes can face a penalty at the top bracket, and single parents can lose head-of-household status.
The formula
Bonus = tax as two single filers − tax filing jointly
Worked example
Example: Marriage bonus = $2,250
- Inputs: Partner 1 income: $99,000; Partner 2 income: $44,000; Children under 17: 0.
- Formula: Bonus = tax as two single filers − tax filing jointly
- Result: Marriage bonus = $2,250
Things to keep in mind
- Uses standard deductions and the child tax credit only.
Questions people ask
Can we file separately instead?
Yes, but married filing separately rarely lowers tax and loses several credits.
Does the date of marriage matter?
You're treated as married for the whole year if married on 31 December.