Some states allow spouses to file individual tax returns (on a single form) even though they have filed a joint federal tax return. It is usually to the taxpayers’ advantage to do so when both spouses work. The smallest amount of tax owed (or the largest refund) will occur when the spouses taxable incomes are the same.

Mr. McAdams’s 2020 taxable income was $34,200, and Mrs. McAdams’s taxable income for that year was $36,400. The McAdams’ total tax deduction for the year was $3640. This deduction can be divided between Mr. and Mrs. McAdams any way they wish. How should the $3640 be divided between them to result in each individual having the same taxable income and therefore the greatest tax refund?