Recently married - TAX - single or joint assessment?

Hi all,
I recently got married and wondering if we should be assessed individually or jointly? We don't know much (anything) about this and with yesterday's budget I am further confused.

I spoke to a couple of married friends and they told me it doesn't really make much of a difference however, I noted simple online calculators that there is a wide difference e.g. Budget 2011 calculator on the Independent site suggests that for one person earning €50k who is 'Single' the Net Monthly Income is €2928. When 'Married - Both Earning' is selected, the Net Monthly Income increases to €3583. That is a major difference!!

Given yesterday's budget - what are your thoughts - single or joint assessment??

General details:
We both work (I don't know if it matters but we both work 5 days a week) earning €57k & €48k annually. We have no children or dependents.

I really appreciate any help, direction or suggestions you may have. Thanks in advance.

For the typical taxpayer, there is nothing to debate - joint assessment is preferable as there is no disadvantage attaching to it.

Thanks T McGibney

I see on the Revenue.ie site that this must be made soon. If I miss the deadline - would I be reimbursed for previous years?
"While the nomination must be made to your local Revenue office on or before 31st March in the tax year, it should ideally be made before the commencement of the tax year i.e. 1st January, to ensure that the correct tax credits and standard rate band are allocated to each spouse from the commencement of the tax year."

Also, I note a few useful links / posts on this site e.g. http://www.askaboutmoney.com/showthread.php?t=9291&highlight=married

Hi, I'm in a similar situation, both are PAYE workers on €50K & €35K per annum. We got married in Aug 2009 and am registering now.
Would you advise that it would be best to request to have our tax credits and standard rate band divided equally (part (b) on the Assessable Spouse Election Form)? I hope that I can claim tax back for the past 18 mths if there is a difference in the married vs single tax... any advice would be great thanks!

"A refund of tax for the year of marriage would normally only arise where a couple are taxed at different tax rates and one spouse could benefit from the unused standard rate band or from some of the unused tax credits of the other spouse" from this revenue page.

Revenue example here.

The relevant bands for 2009 and 2010 are outlined here.

In summary, "the standard rate band for married couples for 2010 is €45,400 subject to an increase of up to €27,400 where both spouses are working. The increase is limited to the lower of €27,400 or the amount of the income of the spouse with the smaller income. This increase is not transferable between spouses."