Married Filing Jointly vs. Married Filing Separately: Pros, Cons, and Hidden Trade‑Offs

When you’re married, one of the most important tax decisions you make each year is how to file your federal tax return. While most couples default to Married Filing Jointly (MFJ), there are situations where Married Filing Separately (MFS) makes sense—or is even necessary.

Below is a clear, practical breakdown of what you gain, what you lose, and what obstacles to expect with each filing status.