IRS Tax Tips: Newlyweds Tax Checklist

Summer wedding season has arrived, and newlyweds can make their tax filing easier by doing a few things now. A taxpayer’s marital status as of December 31 determines their tax filing options for the entire year, but that’s not all newlyweds need to know.

Report a name change
Update address
Check withholding
Review filing status
Beware of scams

Report a name change
Report any name changes to the Social Security Administration. The name on a person’s tax return must match what’s on file at the SSA. If it doesn’t, it could delay any tax refund. To update information, taxpayers should file Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card. It’s available on SSA.gov, by phone at 800-772-1213 or at a local SSA office.

Update address
Notify the United States Postal Service, employers and the IRS of any address change. To officially change their mailing address with the IRS, taxpayers must compete and submit Form 8822, Change of Address. See page 2 of the form for detailed instructions.

Check withholding
Newly married couples must give their employers a new Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Certificate, within 10 days. If both spouses work, they may move into a higher tax bracket or be affected by the additional Medicare tax. They can use the Tax Withholding Estimator on IRS.gov to check their withholding and for help completing a new Form W-4.

Review filing status
Married people can choose to file their federal income taxes jointly or separately each year. While filing jointly is usually more beneficial, it’s best to figure the tax both ways to find out which makes the most sense. Taxpayers should remember that if a couple is married as of December 31, the law says they’re married for the whole year for tax purposes.

Beware of scams
All taxpayers should be aware of and avoid tax scams. The IRS will never contact a taxpayer using email, phone calls, social media or text messages. First contact generally comes in the mail. To find out if they owe money to the IRS, taxpayers can view their tax account.

More Information:
• Topic 157, Change Your Address – How to Notify the IRS
• Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax

What’s Next?

Did you find this information useful? Don’t miss out! Subscribe to the Penny Forward Podcast today and stay connected to inspiring stories, innovative products, and valuable insights from the blind community and our allies. Be part of the conversation that’s changing lives—new episodes drop every other week!

Subscribe to Podcast

How Can I Help?

Penny Forward relies on supporters like you to make financial education accessible to the blind community. Your donation today ensures we can keep offering life-changing courses, counseling, and resources. Donate now through our quick and secure online form, or learn about other ways to give, like workplace giving and securities donations. Every dollar empowers someone to achieve financial independence!

Donate to Penny Forward