Legally married same-sex couples are required to file as either Married Filing Jointly or as Married Filing Separately, just as opposite-sex married couples are required to do.

Do Most married couples file jointly or separately?

The vast majority of married couples file jointly—over 95%. You can choose married filing jointly as your filing status if you are married and both you and your spouse agree to file a joint return. You can file a joint return even if one of you had no income or deductions. Only a married couple can file a joint return.

Do I have to file jointly if I just got married?

If you're legally married as of December 31 of the tax year, the IRS considers you to be married for the full year. Usually, your only options are to file as either married filing jointly or married filing separately. Using the married filing separately status rarely works to lower a couple's tax bill.