We just got married and we have to fill out new tax forms. Do we file individually or jointly?

Question

Also, my wife is still in the process of changing her name. Does she put her new name on the tax forms or does she put her current last name and then refill out the forms again when her name is officially changed which could be just weeks if not days following the initial filing? Also, which is best to file? Do we file as a couple (jointly) or not? Is it similar to claiming a dependent that you get more money in your paycheck and less taken out for taxes if you file jointly? I currently file "0" for dependents so I receive money come tax time rather than paying it back.

If someone can answer one or all please do so. I'm open to suggestions. Thank you for your help!

Answer 1

OK, you must be filing taxes for 2007 cause 2008 taxes are not filed until 2009.  So, you were NOT married in 2007 so you would need to FILE SEPERATELY.  And for the current economic REBATE you would file however you filed in 2007 since that is when the REBATE is due from (being paid back to you now).  You both file seperately for that.  

Then since you got married in 2008 (NOW) you will file MARRIED JOINTLY (if you want) or MARRIED SEPERATELY (if you want).  Her name changed in 2008 so that is the name she will use (her Social Security number stays the same and they will link the new name with that SS#.  

For TAX withholding  purposes - Single witholds the most, Married a little less, and the more dependents you claim the witholding is even less.  So if you want MORE BACK claim SINGLE 0 ~ or adjust accordingly.  You can always withhold a flat additional amount at any time during the year if you feel you are being underwithheld and may have to pay in at the end of the year.  

Answer 2

Don't do anything.  Let her get her name changed on her Social Security Number first because the IRS won't process the return if the name does not match the SSN.   (or some other type punishment)

As long as she gets her SSN back before you file your income tax, you will use the new name.  Please say what forms you are filling out now.  If it is a W4, then it does not go to the IRS.  It just changes the amount of withholding.  The name is not verified/checked, usually.  They know you so they just don't always check.  In most cases, joint returns are more beneficial.  If you are filling out a W4, yes, it is saying what to withhold, and you resolve the over or under payment by April 15th.  Just keep a little more out than you are required, and you can put it into an IRA in April.

Answer 3

What forms?  W-4s?  

Answer 4

Work it out both ways and see which one benefits you more.  Married filing jointly is generally the best option, but not in every situation.

By the way, your wife's name was officially changed the moment the office that issued the marriage certificate received proof that the marriage took place.  Now it's just a matter of her changing her name on bank accounts, etc.

Answer 5

You'll almost certainly be better off filing your actual return jointly. But it sounds like you are talking about W-4's, not tax returns - those are always individual, for your own job.

On the actual tax return, your wife will put whatever name social security has for her.  On the W-4, it doesn't matter.

You can continue to claim one allowance, or can claim youself.  The amount you and your wife claim total between you should not be more than you are entitled to, if you don't want to owe at tax time.  If you both make about the same you might want to claim less than the worksheets say you can, especially if you are middle to high income, since the withholding tables doen't always work real well for two income couples.