Kim and Kayne have been dating for years and are now thinking about getting married. As a financially sophisticated couple, they want to think through the tax implications of their potential union.

a. Suppose Kim and Kanye both earn $68,000 (so their combined income is $136,000). Using the tax bracket information calculate the combined tax bill that they would pay if they remain single, and compare that to the taxes they would pay if they were married and filed a joint return.

b. Now suppose that Kim and Kanye both earn $395,000 (so their combined income is $790,000).

Calculate the combined tax bill that they would pay if they remain single, and compare that to the taxes that they would pay if they were married and filed a joint return.

c. What differences do you find in parts (a) and (b)?

What is the cause of these differences?

Taxable Income
Tax Rates Joint Returns
10% $0 to $19,750
$0 to $19,750
12% $19,751 to $80,250
22% $80,251 to $171,050
24% $171,051 to $326,600
32% $326,601 to $414,700
35% $414,701 to $622,050
37% Over $622,050