SINGLE FILER

$28,000 income, no dependents, no charitable contribution

$28,000 income, no dependents, charitable contribution

$60,000 income, no dependents, no charitable contribution

MARRIED FILING JOINTLY, TWO INCOMES $60,000 TOTAL

No dependents, no charitable contribution

No dependents, charitable contribution

One dependent 17 or older, one dependent under 17, charitable contribution

MARRIED FILING JOINTLY, ONE INCOME

$45,000 income, no dependents, no charitable contribution

$45,000 income, four children under 17, no charitable contribution

$45,000 income, two children under 17, two dependents 17 or older, no charitable contribution

$165,000 income, two children under 17, two dependents 17 or older, itemized deductions

$500,000 income, no dependents, itemized deductions

$500,000 income, two children under 17, two dependents 17 or older, itemized deductions

HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD

Four children under 17, no charitable contribution

Two children under 17, two dependents 17 or older, no charitable contribution

Two children under 17, two dependents 17 or older, charitable contribution

MARRIAGE PENALTY

Two single-filers vs. married filing jointly

Scenarios used 2001 figures:

Standard deduction for single - $4,550

Standard deduction for married filing jointly - $7,600

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Standard deduction for head of household - $6,650

Personal exemption - $2,900 per person

Calculations ignored effects of earned income credit.


Source: D. Brock Griffiths, tax specialist with Ernst & Young

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