Tax Day highlights the costs of single living – but demographics are forcing financial change

Singles often pay more than their coupled counterparts, and not just on taxes. As solo living rises, so does pressure on the rest of the world to catch up.

By: Peter McGraw, University of Colorado Boulder, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: March 8, 2026

Words: 1,298

Last Updated: 2 days, 3 hours ago

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By Peter McGraw, University of Colorado Boulder

Tax Day is right around the corner – an annual reminder that without the option to file jointly, singles pay more per dollar earned than married people. Tax advantages are just one of over 1,000 legal and economic benefits married couples enjoy, a disparity worsened by marketplace and employer practices.

Despite its disadvantages, single living is on the rise. While the average age of first marriage …

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