I try to be patient but sometimes...

There are tons of articles on the subject of income taxes published on the web.  Some are excellent, most are pretty accurate and some just stink.  Usually I try not to be bothered by those that are not well done, but today one got to me.  You can read it here - Top Reasont to File Separately When Married.

First and foremost, the only good reason to file separately is if it lowers your overall tax liability as a couple, or if there is some other very important consideration where you save more elsewhere by filing separately versus jointly.  An example of that is if you or your spouse is using an income-based student loan repayment plan to get lower monthly payments on your loan.  Since filing separately in this situation limits the calculation of the minimum payment to just that person's income, sometimes it is better to file separately to get the more affordable student loan payment.  If a couple in this situation files jointly they might lower their tax bill, but the joint income was be used to calculate the minimum monthly student loan payment.

This article that I find less than helpful points out that there are situations where a couple might do better filing separately if one of them has high itemized deduction items that year.  This is true.  But it fails to mention that when married couples file separately, if one of them itemizes deductions, their spouse must also itemize deductions.  No standard deduction is allowed in that situation.  This is a vital component of the cost/benefit analysis in determining whether or not to file separately.

It also points out that a couple might want to file separately if the two people both earn about the same amount of money.  I realize the chart below may be a bit hard to read so if need be you can read it more easily here - tax rate schedule

This chart shows that married couples pay tax at the same rate on their income if they file jointly or separately.  This contention of this article is a fallacy.

The article's point about a lack of trust is well-taken.  But in an amicable divorce situation, where there is no balance due on a joint return, there is no reason not to file jointly.  A couple might argue over who gets the refund check; but if the alternative is owing a balance due, better to file jointly.

The bottom line here is do not depend on internet articles for tax advice.  Consult a properly trained and educated tax professional instead.