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I will be getting married December 14. I will have a new address eventually but will still be filing as an individual. Is there anything I need to do Regarding my taxes?

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3 Replies

I will be getting married December 14. I will have a new address eventually but will still be filing as an individual. Is there anything I need to do Regarding my taxes?

Well you can't file SINGLE anymore.  You either file a Joint return (which is usually the best way) or MFS Married filing Separately.  You should usually file a Joint return which is only 1 return combined for the both of you. Joint has the lowest tax rates and the highest Standard Deduction. And if you are in a Community Property state MFS gets tricky to figure out. Make sure to stick with this one account for the future. Just ignore the other spouse's account.

 

Getting Married FAQ
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-filing-status/help/what-does-getting-married-mean-for-my-taxes...


Tax info on getting married
https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/marriage/getting-married/L0DvEUlEC


Did you both use Turbo Tax last year?

You can not transfer from or combine 2 returns or accounts. Just pick the return for the spouse that has the most complicated return to enter or has any depreciation or business or more investments. Or use the account/return for whoever you want to be listed first going forward (by the way you can not change the order of the names). Then add the other spouse's name, ssn and info to it.


But if you want to keep the prior accounts separate from the new Joint account then start a new account. Online is only good for one return per account. But you can use the same email address for 5 accounts.

 

 

I will be getting married December 14. I will have a new address eventually but will still be filing as an individual. Is there anything I need to do Regarding my taxes?

When you file your return, use the address where you want the IRS to send mail (if they ever need to send anything).  That will update your address in the system.  If you want to update your address sooner, there is a change of address form you can use, but it's probably not necessary unless you are already mailing back and forth with the IRS about some prior issue.

 

As pointed out, your filing options will be married filing jointly or married filing separately.  (Head of household would only be allowed if you have a dependent child and don't live with your spouse.)  Although there are sometimes good reasons to file separately, you and your spouse will almost always pay more income tax than filing jointly (and more tax then when filing as single, too).  You should carefully consider this. 

I will be getting married December 14. I will have a new address eventually but will still be filing as an individual. Is there anything I need to do Regarding my taxes?

Even if you get married on December 31, you will still be married for the entire tax year for your tax return, so that means your choices are to file married filing jointly or married filing separately.   You will want to use the address that the IRS and your state need if they need to mail you a letter or a check.   You already have two great replies here ihat explain the differences between MFJ and MFS.

 

 

HOW TO START A NEW JOINT RETURN USING TURBOTAX

 

You will not be able to merge two previous TT account to start your new joint return.  You can transfer ONE of your 2023 returns into a new return, so choose the most complicated one.  The other spouse’s information needs to be entered manually.  The first name you enter will be the “primary” taxpayer——and in subsequent years you need to keep the names in that order—do not try to change the order of the names.

 

 

When you enter the primary spouse’s information in My Info, you have to answer the question "Were you married?"  If you click the button for Married, then a drop down will appear that asks, "Do you want to file this return together with your spouse?"  Then you choose YES to file a joint return.  You enter your spouse's information into My Info.  Whenever you are entering income information there should then be a spot for you and for your spouse's income information.  WATCH for the names as you enter income on the screens.

 

When you prepare a joint return you include all the information for both spouses on the SAME tax return.  Include all of your personal information, all of your income from every source, all dependents (if any), all credits and deductions for both of you.  You get ONE refund with both names on it.

 

 

 

HOW TO START A NEW RETURN TO FILE MARRIED FILING SEPARATELY

 

When you enter your own information in My Info, you have to answer the question "Were you married?"  If you click the button for Married, then a drop down will appear that asks, "Do you want to file this return together with your spouse?”   Your answer needs to be NO.   Then it will ask for information about your spouse—-their name and SSN which you must enter.   EACH spouse has to file their own separate return.   And you have to follow all of the rules which include that if one of you enters itemized deductions, the other one must also itemize.  Or…you both use standard deduction.  If you are in a community property state there are additional rules and more information to enter.

 

 

 

 

If I am filing a separate return why do I have to list my spouse’s information on my return?

Even if you file separate returns (the worst way to file) you each have to list each other's SSN's and some other information on your own tax return.  The IRS can then cross check to make sure you are not "double dipping" for itemized deductions, dependents, etc.

 

If you are in a community property state, there is more information that will be needed.

Community property states:  AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI

 

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901162-married-filing-separately-in-community-property-states

 

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/marriage/five-tax-tips-for-community-property-states/L4jG7cq7Z

 

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
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