Tax information is starting to trickle in from banks and employers. But there are lots of boxes to check and terms that are hard to understand on tax returns.

Linda Gilroy of South Bend has a Good Question: “What exactly is the marriage penalty, when referring to tax filing?”

WSBT's Kirk Mason answers her Good Question.

We all know walking down the aisle has financial implications. In tax terms there is something called the “marriage penalty.” But the penalty has been put away, at least temporarily.

“It will affect us again if they don't re-do the patch or actually permanently get rid of the marriage penalty in 2011,” explained Jackson Hewitt’s Pam Zahrt.

The penalty first came into effect in 1969. At the time it was believed a married couple had an unfair advantage over a single taxpayer.

“But since then mothers are working, you have daycare expenses. You go out to eat more,” Zahrt said. “So it's actually not cheaper for a married couple.”

Under the marriage penalty two single people each earning $30,000 would save $1,059 in taxes, compared to a married couple filing jointly at $60,000.

But in 2003 Congress passed the Reconciliation Act, temporarily stopping the marriage penalty.

Now if you tied the knot in the past few years you never had to pay a marriage penalty. But that doesn't mean you couldn't wind up paying down the road, depending on what Congress does or does not do.

The marriage penalty will return in 2011 unless Congress takes action before then.

You have to e-file or postmark your taxes by April 15. We have more information, including a free e-file form on WSBT’s News Links.