Tax checklist for newlywed clients

Newlyweds can make their tax filing easier in various ways. A taxpayer’s marital status as of Dec. 31 determines their tax filing options for the entire year, but that’s not all newlyweds need to know.

Report a name change

Report any name changes to the Social Security Administration (SSA). The name on a person’s tax return must match what’s on file at the SSA. If it doesn’t, the discrepancy could delay any tax refund. To update information, taxpayers should file Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card.

Update your address

Notify the U.S. 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 status

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 your 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 Dec. 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.