Filing Taxes After Marriage: Essential Guide for Newlyweds
Tying the knot brings more than just a new last name—it also comes with important financial changes. Filing taxes after marriage requires updating tax details, selecting the right filing status, and ensuring compliance with IRS regulations.
If you were married on December 31st of the tax year you’re filing, the IRS considers you married for this entire year. Should the IRS consider you a newly married person, you likely have tax-related changes to make.
What should you do before filling out a single tax form? Read this guide on filing taxes after marriage.
How a Name Change Affects Filing Taxes After Marriage
The first step in how to file taxes after getting married is making your surname change official if you choose to take your spouse’s last name. Here’s where to do it.
- Social Security Administration (SSA): Your name must match what the SSA has on file. Attempting to file your taxes under a new surname not on file with this administration can delay processing your taxes or receiving your tax refund.
- Your Withholdings: Adjusting your tax withholdings after marriage may initially seem trivial. However, not looking over or making necessary withholding-related adjustments can mean paying in too little or too much throughout the year. This step should also involve updating your employer if you chose a post-marriage surname change.
- Your Bank: Understandably, the IRS can only send tax refunds to names matching what it has on file. That’s why an essential aspect of how to file taxes after getting married is ensuring you’ll receive your refund.
Filing Taxes After Marriage: Should You File Jointly or Separately?
Another change when filing taxes after marriage involves your filing status. It might sound as simple as checking the box next to the word married on your tax forms. However, you (and your spouse) must choose to file your taxes as a married couple separately or jointly.
Married Filing Jointly
Generally, this option provides the most significant tax break or refund. Making this selection can let married couples claim higher standard deductions than filing separately. For instance, the standard deduction in 2025 is $30,000 for those choosing to file jointly. It may also make you eligible for credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and education-related tax breaks.
Married Filing Separately
However, not all married couples can choose to file jointly. If you or your spouse claims itemized deductions, such as self-employed individuals must do, filing taxes jointly isn’t possible. In other cases, filing taxes after marriage separately is better for a married couple, as it allows them to owe less to the IRS or get a bigger refund.
Filing Taxes After Marriage: What Forms Do You Need
As anyone who has filed taxes after getting married knows, this process requires completing important tax forms. Filing taxes after marriage means deciding whether to file jointly or separately and ensuring all tax-related updates are made correctly. Married filing separately means that you and your spouse complete separate tax returns.
Tip: Another form of interest for newlyweds is Form W-4. Filling out this form lets your employer withhold the proper amount from your pay. You could move into a new tax bracket after getting married and combining incomes with your spouse. Ensuring your withholdings reflect these changes can mean avoiding any unwanted tax-related surprises.
Tax Implications For Different Situations
- State Tax Considerations: Some states require separate state filings even if you file jointly at the federal level. Check your state’s tax laws to ensure compliance.
- Tax Bracket Changes: Combining incomes can push couples into a higher tax bracket, potentially increasing tax liability. Reviewing your withholding and estimated tax payments can help prevent surprises.
- Deductions & Credits: Beyond the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), jointly filing taxes after marriage can impact deductions such as student loan interest, IRA contributions, and mortgage interest deductions. A tax professional can help determine which approach benefits you most.
Special Cases
- Self-Employed & Small Business Owners: If you or your spouse is self-employed, consider how joint filing affects estimated quarterly taxes and deductions for business expenses.
- If One Spouse Has Student Loans: Income-driven repayment plans may increase monthly payments if you file jointly. Review your loan servicer’s policies to make an informed decision.
- If One Spouse Is a Nonresident or Green Card Holder: International tax considerations may apply, such as needing to file additional forms like the IRS Form 1040-NR or making elections to be treated as a resident alien for tax purposes.
Steps to Take if You Got Married Abroad
Many couples get married internationally. If you wed abroad, ensure your marriage certificate is recognized by the IRS by having it translated (if necessary) and obtaining any required apostille or certification. Also, check if your state requires additional documentation for tax filings.
Common Mistakes Newlyweds Make
- Forgetting to Update Name or SSN: A mismatched name can delay refunds or cause processing issues. Example: If the SSA has you as “Jill Smith” but you file as “Jill Hudson,” the IRS may flag your return for discrepancies.
- Not Adjusting Withholdings in Time: Failing to update your W-4 can result in underpayment penalties or an unexpected tax bill. The IRS Withholding Estimator can help determine appropriate adjustments.
- Overlooking State-Specific Filing Differences: Some states have unique tax rules for married couples. Research your state’s requirements before filing taxes after marriage.
IRS Resources & Tools
To make filing taxes after marriage easier, consider using these IRS tools:
How to File Taxes After Getting Married: A Checklist
- Change your name with the Social Security Administration, your bank, and your workplace if you’re employed.
- Consider adjusting your withholdings to avoid paying in too little or too much.
- Choose whether to file your taxes separately or jointly.
- Understand and claim the tax-related benefits available or get help from a tax professional.
- Complete all required tax forms.
Be Prepared & Seek Assistance If Needed
Filing taxes after marriage doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding key changes—such as your filing status, available tax credits, and necessary updates—you and your spouse can file confidently while maximizing your tax benefits. Consider speaking with a tax professional if you or your spouse encounter challenges while preparing your taxes.
Do you need help tracking down and obtaining a certified copy of your marriage certificate for tax-related purposes? Let Vital Records Online help. We offer a streamlined process that lets you skip piles of paperwork and endless waiting in lines at an office.