IRS Tips for Recently Married Taxpayers

The IRS just published its list of seven tax tips for recently married taxpayers.  I thought it would be good to review these tips as many of our clients have children who are getting married.

1. Report any name change to the Social Security Administration so that your name and Social Security number will match when you file your tax return, or else your tax return will be rejected.  This is the most common mistake.  File Form SS-5 at your local Social Security Administration office.  The form can be found at http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf
2. Notify the IRS of your new address by filing Form 8822.  This form can be found at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8822.pdf
3. Notify the U.S. Postal Service of your new address so that your mail can be forwarded.  Notification can be done online at https://moversguide.usps.com/icoa/icoa-main-flow.do?execution=e1s1
4. Notify your employer of any name and address changes so that your Form W-2 will be accurate.
5. Check your wage withholding amounts because each spouse's income will be combined on a joint tax return.  The IRS has a withholding calculator at http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96196,00.html?portlet=4 which can be used to complete a new Form W-4 to be given to your employer.  The 2011 Form W-4 is available at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw4.pdf?portlet=3
6. Choose the correct income tax return form.  The simpler Forms 1040EZ or 1040A may no longer be appropriate, particularly if you will be able to itemize deductions for which the "long form" 1040 is needed.
7. Choose the best filing status.  Your marital status is determined as of December 31 and applies to the whole year.  Usually filing a joint tax return is best, but there are situations for which married filing separate tax returns is better.