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Just Married? Important Tax Tips for Newlyweds

  • Writer: Delray Busch
    Delray Busch
  • 19 hours ago
  • 2 min read

Wedding season is a busy and exciting time. Between planning, celebrating, moving, changing names, and combining finances, taxes are probably not the first thing on a newly married couple’s mind.


However, getting a few tax items handled shortly after marriage can help avoid delays, surprises, and filing issues when tax season arrives.


The IRS recently shared several reminders for newlyweds, including name changes, address updates, withholding adjustments, filing status decisions, and organizing tax records.


Report Any Name Change

If either spouse changes their name after marriage, that change should be reported to the Social Security Administration before filing a tax return.

The name listed on your tax return needs to match Social Security records. If it does not, your return could be delayed while the mismatch is resolved.


Update Your Address

If you moved after getting married, make sure your new address is updated with the right places.

This may include:

  • The post office

  • Your employer

  • Financial institutions

  • The IRS


Taxpayers can officially update their mailing address with the IRS by submitting Form 8822, Change of Address.


Review Your Tax Withholding

Marriage can change your tax situation, especially if both spouses work.


Newlyweds should review and update their Form W-4 with their employers. The IRS recommends doing this within 10 days after getting married. If both spouses earn income, the couple may need to adjust withholding to avoid owing more than expected at tax time.


The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator can also help couples estimate how much federal income tax should be withheld from their paychecks.


Understand Your Filing Status

Your marital status on December 31 determines your filing status for the entire tax year.


Married couples generally choose between:

  • Married Filing Jointly

  • Married Filing Separately


Filing jointly is often more beneficial, but not always. It is best to compare both options before filing to see which makes the most sense for your situation.


Keep Tax Documents Together

After marriage, it is a good idea to keep important tax records in one place.

This may include:

  • W-2 forms

  • 1099 forms

  • Prior year tax returns

  • Mortgage or student loan interest statements

  • Childcare records

  • Deduction and credit related documents


Having everything organized can make tax preparation easier and help ensure all income is reported correctly.


Review Tax Credits and Deductions

Marriage may affect eligibility for certain tax credits and deductions. Some benefits may change based on combined income, filing status, dependents, education costs, homeownership, or other life changes.


A tax professional can help review your situation and identify what applies to you before you file.


Final Reminder

Marriage is a major life event, and it can have a real impact on your taxes. Taking care of these updates now can help make next filing season smoother.


If you recently got married, changed your name, moved, or want to review your withholding, Goodman Bookkeeping & Tax Services can help you understand your next steps.


Goodman Bookkeeping & Tax Services, LLC

580 Longbow Drive, Suite 107

Maumee, Ohio 43537

419-868-1040

 
 
 

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