How the Marriage Penalty Still Taxes Couples in 2026

Lucas and Luna break down the marriage penalty in the US tax code. They explain how joint filing can actually increase a couple's total tax bill compared to two single filers, using the example of a dual-earner couple earning $160,000 combined. The episode covers the history of the penalty, the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, why the penalty still persists for many couples, especially at higher incomes, and the politics of 'marriage neutrality.' No ads—just clear, concrete tax policy explained. #TaxPolicy #Economics #MarriagePenalty #TaxCode #JointFiling #IRS #TaxCutsAndJobsAct #USTax #IncomeTax #MarriageTax #TaxReform #FiscalPolicy #DualEarner #TaxBrackets #StandardDeduction #TCJA #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo