Tax Planning for Newlyweds: Essential Considerations Before and After Marriage

Congratulations on your decision to tie the knot! While wedding planning is certainly a major undertaking, many couples overlook the equally important topic of post-marriage tax planning. At Haley Claypool & Associates, we understand that navigating tax implications as newlyweds can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive guide outlines everything you need to know to optimize your tax situation, avoid surprises, and start your shared financial life with confidence.

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Key Tax Considerations Before You Say "I Do"

1. Determining Your Filing Status
Your federal tax filing status for the year is determined by your status as of December 31. Once married, you must file as "Married Filing Jointly" (MFJ) or "Married Filing Separately" (MFS). Filing jointly usually provides tax advantages, but in specific scenarios—such as when a spouse has significant tax liabilities, or when spouses reside in community property states—the decision warrants a detailed analysis. For more nuance on separate filing, review the consequences of filing separately.

2. Navigating Deductions
For 2025, the standard deduction for married couples is $30,000, which is double the single deduction. Nonetheless, if either spouse previously itemized while the other claimed the standard deduction, post-marriage rules require a joint approach—potentially reducing your combined deductions. The rules can also impact those who formerly claimed "Head of Household."

3. Assessing Past Liabilities
If your spouse owes overdue federal or state taxes, past-due child support, or other obligations, future joint refunds may be applied against those debts. In cases where you are not liable for your spouse’s debt, you may file an injured spouse allocation to protect your portion of any refund.

4. Combined Income and Tax Bracket Changes
Joint filers must aggregate income, which can trigger "marriage penalty" scenarios such as:

  • Higher effective tax brackets
  • Reduced or eliminated credits (e.g., Child Tax Credit begins phasing out at $400,000 MAGI)
  • Limitations on deductible IRAs and medical deductions
  • Taxation of Social Security benefits
  • Potential loss of Earned Income Tax Credit for lower earners

Filing separately frequently does not resolve these issues as the IRS structures certain benefits to prevent avoidance via separate returns.

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5. Health Insurance Marketplaces
If you or your spouse purchases health insurance through a government Marketplace, your new household income and size will impact premium tax credit eligibility. If you’re still on a parent’s policy, the credit must be carefully allocated to avoid tax-filing complications.

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6. Spousal IRA Benefits
Spousal IRAs allow a non-working or low-earning spouse to contribute up to $7,000 (or $8,000 if age 50+) in 2025, provided the couple files jointly. Limits apply if either spouse is covered by a workplace retirement plan.

7. Capital Loss Deduction Changes
Unmarried individuals can each deduct up to $3,000 in net capital losses. Once married, the deduction cap is $3,000 total—not per spouse.

8. Parental Tax Implications
Once married, your parents generally lose the ability to claim you as a dependent or claim education credits tied to your status.

9. State Income Tax Requirements
Many states require your filing status to match your federal return. Review your state’s tax rules to avoid missteps.

Steps to Take After the Wedding

1. Update the Social Security Administration
If you change your name, report it to the SSA so your new name matches your Social Security Number—ensuring tax refund processing is not delayed.

2. Notify the IRS
Moved to a new address? Submit Form 8822 to update your records and prevent lost correspondence.

3. Notify the U.S. Postal Service
Ensure all tax documents and agency communications reach you by updating your address with the USPS: submit a change of address online.

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4. Adjust Withholding & Estimated Tax Payments
Marriage can change your tax bracket or refundable credits. Review your IRS W-4 and make updates to avoid under-withholding or overwhelming tax bills at year-end.

5. Notify the Health Insurance Marketplace
Report your marriage to the Marketplace if you buy coverage there. If you’re covered via a parent’s plan, they must update the Marketplace as well.

If you’d like a personalized review of your tax situation as a married couple—including strategies for income tax minimization and advance tax planning—contact Haley Claypool, Owner of Haley Claypool & Associates, at wendy.claypool@ipersyst.com or (818) 338-8700. Our office is located in Newport Beach, CA, and we’re here to help you start your marital journey with clarity and confidence.

Have Questions?
Let's talk. We are here to help!
Contact Us
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