How does getting married change tax refunds? Does it give back more, less, or the same?

Answer 1

Getting married allows you to file as "Married Filing Jointly" if you choose to do so. This will give you a larger exemption against your income vs. filing as "Single."

It doesn't necessarily increase or decrease your refund, but it does lower your tax liability. If you already have a tax liability of zero, it won't change your refund any. You'll still get back everything that was withheld.

Unless your accountant tells you otherwise, it's a good idea to file your return as "Married Filing Jointly."

If this affects your tax return in a good way, its important to know that whether you were married in January, June, or December, the tax code will treat you as if you were married for the entire year.

Answer 2

It can go either way. If your incomes are pretty close, then it probably won't change anything much unless you both have very high incomes, then it could increase your taxes some. If your incomes are far apart, it might decrease your taxes. If one or both of you is currently receiving the EIC, getting married will affect it, but the result could go either way - a smaller or no EIC, or a larger EIC, depending on the two incomes.

In any case, unless EIC is involved, your refund is just giving you back what you overpaid - it's your total tax liability that counts. Your refund will be your total withholding minus your total tax liability.

Answer 3

The effects of getting married, on your taxes vary greatly. For some people, it decreases their tax bill. For others, it increases it. Without knowing more about your personal tax situation, it is impossible to tell.

Answer 4

It has commonly been said that there is a "marriage penalty", meaning that if you get married you end up paying more tax.

Answer 5

This year do it both ways and you will see for yourself.