Is it required to let your workplace know your marital status?

Answer 1

Maybe for tax purposes?

Answer 2

This one is trickier than it looks. Due to beneficiary rights, I believe that in most states, the answer is yes. And due to spousal rights regarding community property, many states would again say yes. Then there is the issue of how you are filing your taxes, and I belive even if you are "married filing separately" you have to indicate that on your W-4 form.

But there are loopholes. If you are in a very small business, some of the smallest companies are under the size where the government worries QUITE as much. The hitch is that I'm not sure I would want to work for a business that skirts the laws about beneficiaries.

If the business has as many as 15 employees, I think the answer is always YES.

Note that if you are DIVORCED (vs. never married), as long as your ex isn't still your beneficiary, you don't have to qualify the statement "Not married." I think the divorce decree has to be final for that to be true.

Answer 3

You need to inform them if benefits are involved, such as life/health insurance.

The information on your W-4 is only to compute tax withholding, so your status on that form does not need to match your legal status. For example, if I was married but wanted the maximum amount withheld (maybe I have other income that I need to make sure I don't short my withholding), I can put single/0 exemptions on the W-4.