I just looked at all the differences in MFS and MFJ and if you both make under $36,000 each (about $72,000 together), have no kids, paid for house, not in school-- it's not significantly different than Married filed jointly tax status. We make about 30,000 each.
-You still pay about the same percent in taxes (unless you make under about $9,000)
-Standard deduction is the same per person (doubled if you are married) if you don't itemize.
-There are some IRA contribution limits, but if I'm living on investments, I can't contribute anyway.
-I'm 54 and don't collect Social Security, so that extra tax does not apply to me.
I like MFS because I am not liable for his late and disorganized taxes.
Is it really THAT big of a face punch for someone like me?