I just got married and didn't change my name. How should i file my taxes?
2006-10-24 11:35:47 · 8 answers · asked by freeme529 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Taxes ➔ United States
From an income tax standpoint, you must file a married return if you are married as of the end of the income tax year. This is without regard to common surnames, reissued social secuirty cards, or marriage registrations. Common law marriages are permitted, but be aware that some States do not permit common law marriages, such as California.
I usually advise my clients to elect to file a joint return instead of a seperate return unless there is a prevailing reason not to. Married filing seperate is the most restrictive and expensive filing status. Good reasons not to file a joint return include the potential for pending divorce, mistrust between the spouses, separation, and prior tax liens on one of the spouses.
2006-10-24 12:45:13 · answer #1 · answered by tax_black_belt 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are legally married on 12-31 of a given tax year and live with you spouse you must file Married filling Jointly or Married filing Separate. If you have not changed your name with Social Security use your name as it is currently listed in SS records. You do not have a legal obligation to change your name when you marry although either spouse may do so.
2006-10-25 02:48:18 · answer #2 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are married as of 11:59p 12-31, the IRS considers you married for the entire tax year. Your choices for filing status are: Married filing Jointly or Married filing Separately. In most cases, Married filing Jointly is the better option. Your name is irrelevant.
2006-10-24 19:06:58 · answer #3 · answered by STEVEN F 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You don't need to file jointly if you are married. You can still file single. The best way to figure out which way to file is figure your taxes both as a couple and individually and see which way you get a bigger refund.
2006-10-24 18:38:37 · answer #4 · answered by jshepard17 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have been married since 2001 and never changed my lic or ssn .. i still file married filing jointly ..
2006-10-24 18:56:26 · answer #5 · answered by ♥ Lisa♥ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can file jointly as long as the marriage license is registered.
2006-10-24 18:44:57 · answer #6 · answered by Eric 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
www.irs.gov
You can file married -- separately, or married-jointly.
2006-10-24 18:38:16 · answer #7 · answered by Harvie Ruth 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can file "married filing separately"
2006-10-24 18:42:00 · answer #8 · answered by MeNI 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋