For no other reason than the decision to be joined in holy matrimony, more than 28 million couples a year are penalized. They pay more in taxes than they would if they were single. “Not only is the marriage penalty unfair, it’s wrong that our tax code punishes society’s most basic institution,” said Congressman Johnson.

Johnson continued, “Marriage penalty relief is middle class tax relief. Middle-income families are hit the hardest by this penalty.”  Most marriage penalties occur when the higher-earning spouse makes between $20,000 and $75,000 per year, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).

“The marriage tax is one of the most immoral, unjust and anti-family taxes on the books today.  Why should the IRS charge Mr. and Mrs. Average American $1,400 more per year simply because they are married?   If they were two single folks, they’d be $1,400 richer.  What message are we sending the taxpaying country when we reward co-habitation? This is a tax that is on the chopping block,” said Rep. Johnson.