Summer wedding season has arrived and newlyweds can make their future tax filing easier by taking a few steps now. A taxpayer's tax filing status as of December 31 determines his or her tax filing options for the entire year, but that's not all newlyweds need to know.
Name change report
Report any name changes to the Social Security Administration. The name on a taxpayer's tax return must match the SSA's records. Failure to do so could delay any refund. To update information, taxpayers must file Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card. It is available at SSA.gov, by phone at 800-772-1213, or at a local SSA office.
Update address
Notify the US Postal Service, employers and the IRS of any address changes. To officially change your address with the IRS, taxpayers must complete and file Form 8822, Change of Address. See page two of the form for detailed instructions.
Check tax withholding
Newly married couples must complete and submit to their employers a new Form W-4 (SP), Employee Withholding Certificate. If both spouses work, they could move into a new, higher tax bracket or be affected by the additional Medicare tax (in English). You can use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to review your withholding and get help completing your new Form.
Check tax filing status
Married people can choose to file their taxes jointly or separately. While filing jointly is often more beneficial, it is best to calculate your tax both ways to determine which benefits you more. Taxpayers should remember that if a couple has been married since December 31, the law says they were married the entire year for tax purposes.
Beware of scams
All taxpayers should be aware of and avoid tax scams. The IRS never contacts a taxpayer via email, phone calls, social media, or text messages. The first contact is usually through the Postal Service. To find out if they owe money to the IRS, taxpayers can check their account online.
Source: Tax Checklist for Newlyweds