We do our taxes online through Turbo Tax. I worked on them yestered and originally filed married jointly and then out of curiosity cleared everything and filed married seperately.
We don't own a house and we take the standard deduction. I bought a new car this past year so entered in the information for that. Our difference in our annual income is $2000.00 and neither of us have school loans or any medical expenses. Our taxes are very simple.
Filing jointly we owed state and got a federal refund. Filing seperately we each get a state refund and an over all refund of $300 more than if we filied jointly. Does that make sense? We obviously want a bigger return but I just wanted to get opinions on if this all sounds right before I submit everything?
Re: Tax Question
Since you are married with no school loans or a house it makes sense.
Student loan interest can't be claim if you are married and file separately.
About.com has some information that might help you. It shows what can and can't be claimed in each situation.