Do I need to change my taxes when I get married?

Change your filing status Regardless of what month you actually get married, your filing status for the entire year is whatever status it is on December 31st. You and your spouse may file a joint return or married filing separate tax returns. Each option can result in a different tax liability.

How does your tax return change when you get married?

Marriage can change your tax brackets Tax brackets are different for each filing status, so your income may no longer be taxed at the same rate as when you were single. When you are married and file a joint return, your income is combined — which, in turn, may bump one or both of you into a higher tax bracket.

You need to complete Form SS-5 with the Social Security Administration. If you just recently got married, or have not been able to get your name officially changed, you should file your tax return using your previous name, so it will match all the IRS records.

What kind of tax status do you get when you get married?

Once you get married, the only filing statuses that can be used on your tax return are married filing jointly (MFJ) or married filing separately (MFS). The tax rate is usually lower. You can claim education tax credits if you were a student.

Why do I need to amend my tax return?

You should also amend your return to claim tax deductions or tax credits that you did not claim when you filed your original return. The instructions for Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, list more reasons to amend a return.

What happens to your tax bracket when you get married?

Tax brackets are different for each filing status, so your income may no longer be taxed at the same rate as when you were single. When you are married and file a joint return, your income is combined — which, in turn, may bump one or both of you into a higher tax bracket.

How to calculate taxes for a newly married couple?

If both spouses work, they may move into a higher tax bracket or be affected by the Additional Medicare Tax. They can use the IRS Withholding Estimator on IRS.gov to help complete a new Form W-4. See Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax for more information.