Getting Married And Related Tax Issues

SSA Name Change

If you get married or experience any other life event that results in a change to your legal name, it is your responsibility to inform the Social Security Administration (SSA) of your new identification. The SSA must compare the details reported in return to those already on file. There could be a holdup in processing your tax refund if this doesn't happen. Form SS-5, the application for a Social Security card, must be resubmitted with any changes.

The forms’ submission process is governed by the guidelines provided with the form itself.

If you change your name, you must inform your employer so they may update your W-2 form for you and the SSA accordingly. The required notice must be submitted within 30 days for the name change to take effect. This must be done so that your yearly salary and all applicable payroll taxes are transferred into your Social Security account on time. Only by entering your Social Security number into the appropriate field can this be done.

IRS Address Change

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the United States Postal Service (USPS) must be notified if you get married and relocate within the United States. If the IRS needs to contact you regarding a previously-filed tax return, they must have your current and accurate address on file. You must respond to a notice received by the IRS if you do not want the issue that prompted the IRS investigation to worsen. Be sure to answer immediately to avoid forgetting to inform them that your address has changed. 

Your employer must be informed of a name change. This is done to ensure that the information on your W-2 form and with the SSA is accurate. This must occur within 30 days after the official name change. You must do this so that your annual pay and taxes are deposited into your Social Security account. This is only possible if you are logged into your Social Security account.

Postal Service Address Change

The IRS may take a while to change your address after you send in Form 8822. You can have your mail sent to your new address by going to the USPS website or your local post office.

The same is true for your place of work, banks, etc.

Don’t forget about Tax Withholding

When a couple gets married, they ought to consider modifying their withholding. Within 10 days following their wedding, newlyweds must provide their employers a new Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Allowance. If you and your spouse are employed, you may enter a higher tax bracket or be required to pay more Medicare tax. The Tax Withholding Estimator can assist you in completing a new Form W-4. The IRS document 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax, contains more information regarding the completion of W-4s and the payment of estimated taxes.

Tax Filing Status

Each year, married couples have the option of filing jointly (on one tax form) or separately (on separate tax forms). Even though it is typically more advantageous to file taxes jointly as a married couple, it is best to calculate the tax both ways to see which is best for you. Remember that for tax purposes, a couple who gets married on December 31 is deemed married for the entire year. If your new spouse is neither a citizen of the United States nor a permanent resident, you must file a "married, filing separately" return.

If you and your foreign spouse agree to submit a joint U.S. return reporting both of your incomes, then you are not required by law to file a separate return. In this instance, you and your spouse can file jointly for tax purposes. If you owe past taxes, you should discuss the possible results with our agency before deciding. Contact YokeTax for a free consultation. 

Joint and Several Liability

One of the partners may have outstanding tax debt, child support, or alimony from a prior union. If the newlyweds go on to file their taxes as a married couple, they will each be personally liable for the entire amount owed. When deciding how to file your taxes, you should remember that the government has the right to seize a spouse's share of a joint refund to pay for their share of the debt.

Beware of Tax Scams

Identifying and avoiding tax fraud requires that every taxpayer be able to identify potential scams. The IRS will never initiate contact with a taxpayer via email, phone, social media, or text messaging. The postal service typically conducts initial communication.

Please contact us at YokeTax if you are getting married and need assistance completing new W-4 forms, adjusting your anticipated tax payments, selecting the appropriate filing status, or handling any other tax difficulties.