Filing jointly + funding a non-deductable IRA?

[Frugal D]

This has probably been answered in other threads so I apologize, but looking for advice. My wife and I were married in July so just trying to figure out if we're going to file jointly this year or not. Separately, I'm wondering if funding a non-deductable IRA is worth it. Here are the details:

My income: $150-200k (I'm in sales so I won't know until year end)
Her income: $77k
Annual mortgage interest: $17k
Taxes paid on home: $6k

We both participate in our employee sponsored 401k and, if we file jointly, combine for an AGI that exceeds limits for Roth IRA contributions. My questions:

1) In general, should we file jointly based on our incomes? Any advantages to doing so? I have always heard there is?
2) Should we file separately allowing us to max out her Roth IRA?
3) I believe we can't deduct traditional IRA contributions given are scenario. Is it worth funding a non-deductable IRA? I'm leaning toward putting that money toward the mortgage.

Thanks in advance.

[MDM]

1) In general, should we file jointly based on our incomes? Any advantages to doing so? I have always heard there is?
2) Should we file separately allowing us to max out her Roth IRA?
3) I believe we can't deduct traditional IRA contributions given are scenario. Is it worth funding a non-deductable IRA? I'm leaning toward putting that money toward the mortgage.

Congratulations and best wishes on the marriage!

1) Try both MFJ and MFS to see which is better.  Most tax software will do that for you, but doing your own (see http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/ask-a-mustachian/turbo-tax-vs-cpa/) is also worthwhile.
2) & 3) Doing backdoor Roth IRAs for each of you might be best.

[Frugal D]

2) & 3) Doing backdoor Roth IRAs for each of you might be best.

Cool - didn't know about that. Will definitely explore it. Thanks!