If You Get Married in September, Do You File Taxes Together?

Getting married affects many aspects of life, including taxes. If you tie the knot in September, you may wonder whether that changes your filing status for the year or if you need to wait until the next tax season. The IRS has specific rules regarding marital status and its impact on tax filings.

Understanding how marriage influences your tax situation can help you plan ahead and avoid surprises.

Filing Status Requirements

The IRS determines your filing status based on your marital status as of December 31. Even if you get married on the last day of the year, you are considered married for the entire year. If you exchange vows in September, you cannot file as “Single.” Instead, you must choose between “Married Filing Jointly” or “Married Filing Separately.”

Filing jointly is the most common choice because it often lowers tax liability. This status allows income and deductions to be combined, increasing eligibility for tax benefits like a higher standard deduction. In 2024, the standard deduction for joint filers is $29,200, compared to $14,600 for single filers. Joint filers may also qualify for tax credits that are unavailable or reduced when filing separately, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit.

Some couples may choose to file separately, particularly if one spouse has significant medical expenses, student loans under an income-driven repayment plan, or concerns about the other spouse’s tax situation. Filing separately means each spouse is responsible for their own tax liability, but certain deductions and credits may be limited or unavailable. For example, the student loan interest deduction is not allowed when filing separately, and tax brackets for separate filers are less favorable.

Combined Income Factors

Combining incomes can push a couple into a higher tax bracket, affecting their overall tax liability. The U.S. tax system is progressive, meaning higher earnings result in higher tax rates. In 2024, a single filer with $95,000 in taxable income falls into the 22% bracket, while a married couple with a combined income of $190,000 remains in the same bracket. However, if their joint income reaches $201,051, they move into the 24% bracket, meaning a portion of their income is taxed at a higher rate.

Income disparities between spouses also play a role. If one spouse earns significantly more, filing jointly may reduce the overall tax burden due to the wider tax brackets for married couples. This is especially beneficial when one spouse has little to no taxable income. Conversely, if both spouses have high earnings, their combined income may result in higher taxes than if they filed separately.

Certain types of income, such as capital gains, dividends, and rental earnings, can also impact tax liability. For instance, the tax rate for long-term capital gains and qualified dividends depends on taxable income, with thresholds increasing for joint filers. In 2024, the 15% capital gains tax rate applies to single filers earning over $47,025 and joint filers earning over $94,050. If a couple’s combined investment income exceeds $250,000, they may also be subject to the 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax.

Deductions and phase-out limits for tax benefits are another consideration. Many tax credits and deductions, such as the Child Tax Credit, phase out at higher income levels. In 2024, the credit begins to phase out at $400,000 for married couples filing jointly but at $200,000 for single filers. Combining incomes may reduce or eliminate eligibility for certain tax benefits.

Changes to Withholding

Marriage affects paycheck withholdings since employers use IRS Form W-4 to determine how much federal income tax to deduct. Updating this form after marriage ensures the correct amount is withheld. If both spouses previously filed as single, their combined income may result in under-withholding, leading to a tax bill. If only one spouse had income before marriage, adjusting withholding can prevent excessive tax payments.

The IRS provides a Tax Withholding Estimator tool to help couples determine the right withholding amount. This tool accounts for multiple jobs, dependents, and additional income sources. If both spouses work, they may need to use the multiple jobs worksheet on Form W-4 to ensure proper withholding. Failing to adjust withholdings can lead to unexpected tax liabilities or penalties.

State tax withholding may also need adjustments, as some states have different tax brackets or deductions for married couples. If one spouse works in a different state, they may need to file a nonresident or part-year resident tax return, affecting overall tax obligations.

Claiming Credits and Deductions

Marriage affects eligibility for tax credits and deductions, particularly for education expenses, homeownership benefits, and retirement contributions. For student loan payments, the deductibility of interest depends on income thresholds. In 2024, the student loan interest deduction begins to phase out at $155,000 for married couples but at $75,000 for single filers. Combining incomes could eliminate this deduction entirely, making it important to evaluate whether filing separately preserves its availability.

For homeowners, mortgage interest and property tax deductions are subject to limitations. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 capped the deduction for state and local taxes (SALT) at $10,000, regardless of filing status. Mortgage interest deductions are also limited to loans of $750,000 or less, which could impact couples in high-cost housing markets.

Retirement savings contributions can also shift. If one spouse does not work, the couple may take advantage of a spousal IRA, allowing the non-working spouse to contribute up to $7,000 in 2024 ($8,000 if over 50). Additionally, income thresholds for Roth IRA contributions are higher for joint filers, with phaseouts starting at $230,000, compared to $146,000 for single filers.

Documentation Requirements

Filing taxes after marriage requires updating financial records and gathering necessary documentation. Since marriage changes tax status, both spouses must report their combined financial information accurately. This includes income statements, deduction records, and relevant tax forms. Ensuring that names and Social Security numbers match IRS records is also important, as discrepancies can cause delays or rejected returns.

Updating personal information with the Social Security Administration (SSA) is necessary if a spouse changes their last name. The IRS verifies tax returns against SSA records, so failing to update a name change can result in mismatches that delay refunds or trigger additional scrutiny. Employers should also be notified of any name or address changes to ensure W-2 forms reflect the correct information. Bank accounts, investment accounts, and retirement plans may also need updates, especially if beneficiaries need to be changed.

Income documentation is another critical aspect of tax filing. Both spouses must gather W-2 forms from employers, 1099 forms for freelance or investment income, and other relevant earnings statements. If one or both spouses receive income from rental properties, dividends, or self-employment, they must ensure all supporting documents, such as expense records and estimated tax payments, are accounted for. Keeping detailed records of deductions, such as charitable contributions, medical expenses, and education costs, can help maximize tax benefits and prevent issues in the event of an audit.