How to File Taxes If One Just Got Married
If you are a newlywed, you need to know how to file taxes for one who just got married. If you got married after Dec. 31, you are not considered married the previous year. If you got married on or before Dec. 31, you are considered married for that tax year. There are two ways to file your taxes if you were considered married at the end of the tax year. You should fill out a return both ways to see which one benefits you more.
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Instructions
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Married Filing Jointly
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Fill out a return for married filing jointly. In most cases, this can benefit both people.
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Take the credit for married couples. If you are both working or have income, you can take this credit.
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Calculate your taxes to see whether you will get a refund or owe money. If your spouse has IRS issues or money is withheld for back child support, you will have to file Form 8379 (Injured Spouse) so your portion of the return is not affected.
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Determine whether you should file itemized deductions or take the standard deduction. The standard deduction for a couple can be higher than itemizing deductions. Always take the higher of the two.
Married Filing Separately
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Fill out returns for married filing separately. This way may benefit each of you depending on your tax situations.
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Claim yourself as an exemption if you do not have any other dependents. You do not qualify for the credits afforded to married persons, but if you are claiming children, you may qualify for child care credits and any other credits pertaining to having a child.
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Calculate a tax return for each of you and see whether you will get a refund or owe money. Then calculate the difference of the refund or money owed between this method and the married filing jointly tax return. If you file this way, you will not need to fill out Form 8379 (Injured Spouse).
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References
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