fyi when we got married and filed jointly, our tax return the next year was not bigger, but combined. so say instead of each of us getting $1000, instead we got $2000 total. being married didnt give us "more" money total just more money compared to filing individually if that makes sense. that was just us, BUT i would def look into it before you make a decision to get married at a certain time based off of your tax return. maybe try filling out forms both ways, 2 singles and a joint, and compare the $ amount you will get back (maybe use last years as an example.) that way you have an idea what to expect...