(Of course, if the other spouse had earned his or her own benefits, they would get whatever benefit was higher.)

If each spouse earns $27,550, the couple's tax liability for being married and filing jointly is $10,488.

A couple in which each spouse earns $70,000 would pay $35,705 if filing a joint return.

Some couples fell into a crack, however, if the second spouse earned money but less than $250.

People whose spouses earned large salaries went back because their buddies did.

Of Love and Money * Do you know how much your spouse earns?

A couple in which one spouse earns all the income is still better off married than never married, at least for tax purposes.

If one spouse earns all or most of the income, the couple's tax bill is less than their total would have been if they were single.

But if one spouse earned $70,000 and the other $10,000, the situation would change.

You must indicate on your income tax form how much your spouse has earned for the year .