Relationships Talk

INDIANAPOLIS — With summer as a popular season for weddings, the Indiana Department of Revenue is offering advice to help Hoosier newlyweds avoid headaches with tax issues:

• Name changes: If a customer changes a name as a result of marriage, the first step is to report this change to the Social Security Administration. Tax returns are filed under an individual’s Social Security number, so it is important to complete the name-change process before filing a tax return. The name on the tax return must match the Social Security number to ensure any potential refund goes to the correct person. More information may be found online at SSA.gov.

• Changing withholding status: Newly married individuals may need to update their federal W-4 and state WH-4 forms to reflect additional exemptions or change their higher standard deduction. By claiming an additional allowance or changing the withholding status to married, fewer taxes may be withheld from their pay.

• Updating addresses: If marriage results in a change of address, couples should update the address on file with Indiana Department of Revenue. The department offers several methods for customers to update their addresses, including in person, by fax or mail. By updating an address, customers can ensure they will receive important information from the Department of Revenue on time, which may include a refund check. Details can be found online at in.gov/dor/4706.htm.

• Evaluating tax filing status: Once an individual is married, the filing status on the person’s tax return must be either: “married filing jointly” or “married filing separately.” The option “married filing jointly” provides the most beneficial tax outcome for most couples, due to the available credits and deductions. However, couples should explore both options to determine what works best.

Changing filing status may change an individual’s tax bracket, so the income might be taxed at a different rate. If a married couple chooses to file a joint return, their income is now combined, which may result in one or both individuals being in a higher tax bracket.

Even if the wedding date is Dec. 30, 2018, a couple is still considered married for the 2018 tax year.

Customers with any questions or concerns about changes in filing due to married status may call the Department of Revenue Customer Service Department at (317) 232-2240, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.