Can a married couple each take out a cafeteria plan from work per year? Or if they file jointly, can only one?

Be careful.





Agree ahead of time to file jointly or who will claim the children if you file separately. Then coordinate the amounts withheld so that you don't end up losing money when you file.





For example. If you have one child in day care and then file MFS, only one of you can claim the childcare expense and cancel out the money withheld for dependent care on their paycheck. If you both take out $2500 and then file separately, the other parent will have to add their $2500 back to your income and will be unable to take a credit.
Can a married couple each take out a cafeteria plan from work per year? Or if they file jointly, can only one?
Not exactly sure what you mean -- maybe an example would help? For instance, my wife and I both select options from our cafetaria plan at work independently (because the cost for an employee + spouse costs more than the cost for two employees) -- but, that has nothing at all to do with whether we file our taxes jointly or separately.





It would really depend only on what your work allows you to do.