Marital Status

4 replies
24 views

I got married in May of 2024. I was able to file my name change with Conveyor of Bureau but NOT with Social Security Administration yet. My W-4 is also not updated. How do I file my taxes?

MindyB

Level 13

If you did not file your name change with Social Security, use your maiden name on your tax return. As long as you are legally married, you will use one of the married filing statuses, either married filing separately or married filing jointly.

Typically, married filing jointly is best for most taxpayers. You can read more about it here: How Should You and Your Spouse File Taxes? Married Filing Jointly vs Separately

DoninGA

Level 15

What you have entered on the W-4 that you give to your employer to withdraw federal income taxes is not relevant to what you enter on your tax return for your filing status.

You can file as Married Filing Jointly on your tax return. However you must enter the name on your tax return that is on your current Social Security card.

SSM18Author

Level 2

Should I be creating a new account to file on turbo tax due to change of filing status?

VolvoGirl

Level 15

If you have not updated Social Security you still file as married. Joint is the best way. If you haven't changed your name at Social Security then still enter your maiden name on the Joint return.

Here's some general info on getting married. 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 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.

You should usually file a Joint return which is only 1 return combined for the both of you. 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/00/1756642

And info on Getting Married…..

http://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/tax-tips/Family/Getting-Married/INF12006.html