Rates for a Married Taxpayer Filing Separately Are 10% of Taxable

question 12

Short Answer

Rates for a married taxpayer filing separately are 10% of taxable income up to $8,375 and 15% thereafter up to $34,000. Rates for a couple filing a joint return are 10% of taxable income up to $16,750 and 15% thereafter up to $68,000. Patrick and Kelly O'Day are figuring their tax both ways for comparison before deciding which way to file. Patrick earned $15,000 and Kelly earned $35,000. The standard deduction for a married couple filing jointly is $11,400. The standard deduction for each married taxpayer filing separately is $5,700. Exemption for each taxpayer is $3,650.​
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a.Compute the amount of tax the O'Days will owe if they file a joint return.
b.Compute the amount of tax the O'Days will owe if they file two separate returns.

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