To Have And To Hold The news isn't all that terrible for married taxpayers. Check out these tax breaks.

Much has been made in recent weeks about the "marriagepenalty" tax that stings married couples who file their taxestogether with a stiffer tax bill than unmarried couples who fileseparately.

While Congress continues to crank up efforts to eliminate, or atleast alleviate, the marriage penalty (both President Clinton andCongressional Republicans favor its elimination), there are someoverlooked tax benefits for spouses that you shouldn't ignore.Here are a few you may have overlooked:

• Personal exemptions. The write-off you get for yourself,your spouse and your dependents increased $50 this year to $2,750per person.