If I Get Married in October, How Should I File My Taxes?

Getting married affects your tax situation in several ways, from filing status to deductions and credits. The IRS considers your marital status as of December 31, meaning a wedding late in the year applies to the entire tax year. Understanding these implications helps avoid surprises and optimize tax outcomes.

Key decisions include filing status, paycheck withholdings, and necessary updates to personal information. Proper planning ensures compliance with tax laws while maximizing benefits for married couples.

Eligibility for Federal Recognition of Marriage

The IRS recognizes marriages based on the laws of the jurisdiction where they were performed. If you were legally married in any U.S. state, the District of Columbia, or a foreign country that recognizes marriage, the federal government treats you as married for the entire tax year. Under the “place of celebration” rule, a marriage valid where it occurred is recognized for federal tax purposes, regardless of where you live.

Same-sex marriages are recognized if legally performed in a jurisdiction that allows them. However, domestic partnerships and civil unions that are not explicitly classified as marriage under state law do not qualify. Couples in these relationships must file as single or head of household if eligible.

If married abroad, the IRS generally recognizes the marriage if it is legally valid in that country. However, polygamous unions and other marriages that do not meet U.S. legal standards are not recognized. Foreign marriage certificates not in English may require a certified translation for tax purposes.

Filing Status Choices

Once married, you must choose between Married Filing Jointly (MFJ) or Married Filing Separately (MFS), which impacts tax liability, credits, and deductions.

Filing jointly is usually the most beneficial option, offering lower tax brackets, a higher standard deduction ($29,200 for 2024), and access to credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit, and education-related benefits. Joint filers may also receive lower tax rates on capital gains and qualified dividends. However, both spouses are responsible for any tax due, including penalties and interest.

Filing separately may be beneficial if one spouse has significant medical expenses or student loan payments under an income-driven repayment plan. However, separate filers lose access to key tax benefits, including the EITC, education credits, and the student loan interest deduction. The standard deduction is also lower—$14,600 per person in 2024—making itemizing more likely.

Changes to Withholding

Marriage often requires adjusting paycheck withholdings to reflect a new tax situation. Employers use IRS Form W-4 to determine how much federal income tax to withhold, so newlyweds should review and update this form to prevent underpayment penalties or excessive withholding. The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator helps calculate the appropriate amount based on combined income, deductions, and credits.

If both spouses work, their combined earnings may push them into a higher tax bracket, increasing overall tax liability. The W-4 includes a section for households with multiple jobs, where additional withholding can be specified. If one spouse earns significantly less or does not work, the higher earner may adjust their withholding to better match the household’s tax obligation.

Deductions and credits also influence withholding. If one spouse has substantial itemized deductions—such as mortgage interest or state and local taxes—adjusting withholdings can prevent overpayment. Couples eligible for credits like the Child Tax Credit or the Saver’s Credit may need to withhold less than before.

Deductions and Credits

Marriage affects eligibility for deductions and credits, sometimes increasing benefits or imposing new limitations based on income and expenses. The standard deduction nearly doubles for married couples filing jointly—$29,200 for 2024, compared to $14,600 for single filers—often making itemizing unnecessary unless deductible expenses exceed this threshold.

Income-based phaseouts impact deductions and credits. The Child Tax Credit (CTC), for example, begins to phase out at $400,000 for joint filers but at $200,000 for single filers. Marriage may expand eligibility for some households while reducing or eliminating benefits for high earners.

Name and ID Updates

If you change your name after marriage, update government and financial records to ensure consistency. The Social Security Administration (SSA) should be notified first, as the IRS verifies tax returns against SSA records. File Form SS-5, along with an original or certified marriage certificate, to update your Social Security card. A mismatch between the name on a tax return and SSA records can cause processing delays.

After updating the SSA, notify other agencies and institutions. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) must update driver’s licenses or state IDs, which serve as primary identification for financial transactions. Banks, credit card companies, and investment firms should also be informed to prevent discrepancies in tax reporting. Updating passports, insurance policies, and employer records ensures all official documents reflect the correct name.

Documents You May Need

Filing taxes after marriage requires gathering key documents. A marriage certificate serves as proof of marital status and may be needed when updating records or filing jointly for the first time. Both spouses should have their Social Security cards available, as the IRS requires correct names and Social Security numbers to process tax returns.

Income-related documents, such as W-2s and 1099s, must be collected for both spouses. If itemizing deductions, organize receipts for mortgage interest, medical expenses, and charitable contributions. Changes in health insurance, such as enrolling in a spouse’s plan, may require Form 1095-A if coverage was obtained through the Health Insurance Marketplace. If student loans are involved, Form 1098-E will report interest payments, which could impact deductions depending on the chosen filing status.