Becoming newly married comes with wonderful life changes. It also comes with a few tax responsibilities to sort out. First and foremost, your marital status on December 31^st determines how you’ll file for the entire year. Whether you tied the knot on January 1^st or December 31^st, you’ll be considered married for tax purposes.

Once you’ve changed your name, don’t wait, submit Form SS-5 to the Social Security Administration so your name and Social Security Number match IRS records. An unmatched name can delay your refund. If you moved, file Form 8812 with the IRS and notify USPS to forward mail. It is imperative that W-2s, 1099s, and any IRS notices reach your correct address.

It’s smart to review your tax withholding after getting married. You should submit a new Form W-4 to your employer within 10 days of marriage. Joint incomes can push you into a high tax bracket or trigger additional Medicare Tax.

At tax time, you’ll choose between filing “Married Filing Jointly” or “Separately.” Joint filing is simpler, offers higher standard deductions, and unlocks credits such as:

• Earned Income Tax Credit
• Child and Dependent Care Credit
• American Opportunity Credit

Comparing both methods is wise. Some couples face a marriage penalty, especially if both earn high, similar incomes or have one spouse with significant medical expenses.

Key Checklist

• Name & Address Updates

  • File Form SS-5 to update your name with SSA
  • Submit IRS Form 8822 and alert USPS if you moved

• Withholding Revisions

  • Submit a new W-4 within 10 days of marriage
  • Use Tax Withholding Estimator

• Filing Status Decision

  • Married Filing Jointly: Usually best: One return, higher deductions, more credits
  • Married Filing Separately: Better when faced with higher incomes, and large medical or student loan expenses.
    • Reduces liabilities

• Credits & Deductions

  • Compare standard vs itemized deductions
    • Standard MFJ 2025 – $31,500
  • Credits
    • Earned Income, American Opportunity, Lifetime Learning, Child Dependent Care, and Child Tax Credit

•  Health & Benefits

  • Assess whether combining or keeping separate health insurance is more cost-effective

• Organize & Retain Records

  • Keep W-2s, 1099s, receipts for donations, medical and childcare expenses.
  • IRS recommends saving documents for 3-7 years, depending on the deductions or credits claimed.

Tax time as newlyweds doesn’t have to be stressful. Start by updating your name, address, and withholding right away. Compare your filing status using actual numbers or tax software. Maximize deductions and credits by staying organized and current with IRS guidelines. If there are any worries or questions when going through this process, feel free to speak with a tax professional. Here’s to a smooth tax season and your new life together!

Contact Us Today

Getting married brings exciting changes and new tax considerations. Call us at 203-489-0612 to create a tax strategy that fits your new life together.

Written by: Colin Speaker