The bliss that is marriage! But a happy ever after, is not something that is handed over to anyone simply because they found a partner for life. Like everything in love and life, everyone must work hard to attain something.

A change in status means a change in a whole lot of things, including spending habits and of course, a change in the way you pay and file your taxes. For marital bliss and avoidance of tax season stress here are tips from the IRS to keep a happy ever after:

1. Notify the Social Security Administration Report any name change to the Social Security Administration, so your name and Social Security Number will match when you file your next tax return. Informing the SSA of a name change is quite simple. File a Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, at your local SSA office. The form is available on SSA’s website at www.socialsecurity.gov, by calling 800-772-1213 or at local offices.
2. Notify the IRS If you have a new address you should notify the IRS by sending Form 8822, Change of Address. You may download Form 8822 from IRS.gov or order it by calling 800–TAX–FORM (800–829–3676).
3. Notify the U.S. Postal Service You should also notify the U.S. Postal Service when you move so it can forward any IRS correspondence.
4. Notify Your Employer Report any name and address changes to your employer(s) to make sure you receive your Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, after the end of the year.
5. Check Your Withholding If both you and your spouse work, your combined income may place you in a higher tax bracket. You can use the IRS Withholding Calculator available on IRS.gov to assist you in determining the correct amount of withholding needed for your new filing status. The IRS Withholding Calculator will even provide you with a new Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate; you can print out and give to your employer so they can withhold the correct amount from your pay.

Helpful Links:

Social Security website

Form 8822, Change of Address

Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement

W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate

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