Filing Taxes Married First Time: How to File, What to Know, and Common Mistakes to Avoid

The honeymoon phase is sweet. Filing taxes for the first time as a married couple? Less romantic but totally doable. But don't worry, we've got your back.

This guide breaks down exactly how to file taxes after getting married, whether you choose married filing jointly or married filing separately. That way, you can file smart and stress-free.

What Changes After You Get Married (for Taxes)?

Just got married? Here’s what changes at tax time, from the IRS’s perspective:

• You can no longer file as "Single."
• You must choose: Married Filing Jointly (MFJ) or Married Filing Separately (MFS).
• This affects your standard deduction and eligibility for certain credits.
• If you changed your name, notify the Social Security Administration.
• Moved in together? Update your address with the IRS.
• You may need to combine income and deductions, affecting tax brackets and eligibility for tax deductions or credits.

Step-by-Step: How to File Taxes After Getting Married

If you're wondering how to file a tax return after getting married, you're not alone. Here's your step-by-step playbook for tax filing your first year of marriage—simple, clear, and designed to guide you confidently.

Step 1: Gather Tax Documents

You’ll need:

• W-2s, 1099s, and any other income forms
• Last year’s tax return
• Social Security Numbers for both spouses
• Records of deductions or credits (mortgage interest, student loans, tuition, etc.)
• Bank account info for direct deposit or payment

Pro tip: Use a tax organizer tool to keep everything in one place, whether you’re filing jointly or separately. Many married couples overlook the importance of shared financial visibility, so this is your first chance to build that habit.

Step 2: Choose Your Filing Status

• Married Filing Jointly typically results in more favorable tax brackets and access to valuable credits, such as the EITC and education credits, compared to filing separately. 
• Married Filing Separately can be beneficial in some instances (more on that below).

Use our [Filing Separately vs. Jointly Guide](4) to weigh your options.

Step 3: Update Your Form W-4

If your adjusted gross income or withholdings have changed, updating your W-4 ensures accurate taxes for the next tax year. If both of you work, you may need to adjust withholdings to avoid underpayment.

Why this matters: Dual-income households often end up in higher tax brackets or underpaying throughout the year. Updating your W-4 prevents headaches and tax bills in the next tax year.

Check out our W-4 After Marriage Guide for step-by-step help.

Step 4: Claim Your New Tax Breaks

Being married may unlock new savings:

• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), if eligible; note: not available if you file Married Separately, except in limited cases. 
• Education credits (Lifetime Learning, American Opportunity)
• Child Tax Credit (CTC) (if applicable)
• Retirement savings contributions (IRA, 401(k) deductions)
• Adoption credit or dependent care benefits

Some credits phase out at higher joint income levels, so double-check what you're eligible for. This is especially true for student loan interest deductions or health insurance premium credits.

Explore the complete list of options in our [Newlywed Tax Starter Kit].

Step 5: Choose a Filing Method

You can file via:

• Trusted DIY tax software — built for accuracy and ease. Ideal if you're confident in preparing your return.
• Done-For-You (DFY) tax prep services — we connect you with a vetted CPA who handles everything from start to finish.

Consider how confident you are in handling numbers and tax terms. If you're confident in handling your own return, tax software or e-filing service providers like e.file-tax.net offer a convenient, affordable way to file jointly or separately. If taxes stress you out or you're dealing with complex situations—like inheritance, investments, or a side business—consider working with a tax professional who knows tax code like the back of his hand.

Should You File Jointly or Separately?

Choosing your filing status is one of the most important decisions you'll make in your first year of marriage. It impacts everything from tax liability to credit eligibility and certain tax deductions.

Filing a joint return for the first time? You're not alone—most couples file jointly because it’s often the most beneficial option. But understanding how to file jointly vs filing separately after marriage can help you make a smarter financial move. Your decision can lead to a larger refund, access to more credits, and stronger long-term financial planning.

Here's a breakdown of each option to help you decide on your tax filing status:

Jointly vs Separately Comparison:

When to File Jointly:

• You both earn similar incomes and want the highest standard deduction.
• You qualify for tax credits like the EITC or CTC.
• You want the easiest way to prepare and file a federal tax return.

When to File Separately:

• One of you has significant student loan debt under an income-driven repayment plan.
• You need to keep tax liability separate due to legal, financial, or personal considerations.

📝 Not sure what to choose among the tax filing options? Read more about Married Filing Jointly vs Separately.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, newlyweds can make a few slip-ups when it comes to taxes. Avoiding these common mistakes will help you get the most out of your first joint tax return.

Avoid these newlywed tax traps:

• ❌ Filing as "Single" (you can’t anymore!)
• ❌ Forgetting to test Married Filing Jointly vs Separately before choosing
• ❌ Missing valuable credits
• ❌ Using different deduction types when filing separately
• ❌ Ignoring changes in income thresholds for credits like the CTC or EITC

💡 Important: If you've changed your last name after marriage but haven't updated it with the Social Security Administration (SSA), you must still use your old name on your tax return. The IRS matches your return with SSA records, and a name mismatch can delay your refund or cause your return to be rejected.

💡Double-check your filing status before submitting. A single incorrect checkbox can cost you. Want more details on potential consequences? Read more about Penalties for Filing Incorrectly.

Real Couples, Real Filing Examples of Married Filing Jointly vs Married Filing Separately

Case Study 1: Teamwork Pays Off

Amanda and Luis both work full-time and earn a moderate combined income. When they married, they considered both filing statuses but found that Married Filing Jointly gave them the best outcome. Combining their deductions and incomes lowered their overall tax liability and unlocked several tax benefits they wouldn’t have qualified for separately. They can claim education credits and certain tax breaks.

Their joint return also simplified the process—they only had to file one return and received a larger tax refund than expected. The savings from the tax filing status allowed them to pay off a credit card balance and build an emergency fund together. For Amanda and Luis, teamwork definitely paid off. Filing jointly saved them thousands of dollars compared to separate returns. Like other married couples filing jointly, they enjoy more credits, tax benefits, and a lower tax bracket.

Case Study 2: Separate Wins

On the other hand, Jamie and Troy are filing separately for the tax year. Jamie has student loans on an income-driven repayment plan. By opting for married filing separately, Jamie's payment calculation was based solely on Jamie's income, not combined household income. This significantly reduced their monthly loan payments, providing immediate financial relief.

While Jamie and Troy missed some tax credits, the reduced student loan payments throughout the year made filing separately the better option overall. Filing separately kept payments based only on one spouse's income, saving thousands in loan interest. They gave up a few tax credits, but the long-term savings outweighed the trade-off.

Case Study 3: Medical Deduction Advantage

Sasha and Jordan got married mid-year. Sasha had significant out-of-pocket medical expenses after an unexpected surgery. Typically, these costs must exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) to qualify as a deduction.

By filing separate returns, Sasha’s lower individual income made it easier to meet the threshold. As a result, she could deduct thousands of dollars in medical costs—something they wouldn't have been able to do if their incomes were combined.

This strategy helped them reduce their tax burden and made filing separately the smart move for that year.

As you can see, choosing your status depends on your personal tax situation. Some factors married couples need to consider include medical expenses, tax implications, student loan repayment plans, and more.

💡 In 2022, only 2.47% of returns were filed as married filing separately, usually for student loans or liability reasons.

Source: Internal Revenue Service. "SOI Tax Stats." Accessed June 30, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the IRS know you're married?

The IRS knows you’re married based on the filing status you choose on your tax return and the information on your W-4 form. Updating your status to “Married Filing Jointly” or “Married Filing Separately” tells the IRS you were legally married by December 31 of the tax year. They may verify this through Social Security records or when spouses list each other on their returns.

Can you file taxes separately if you’re married?

Yes. Married filing separately is allowed but often results in fewer tax benefits. It's best considered if you need to limit tax liability, reduce student loan payments, or keep separate tax returns.

What if we got married in December?

Congrats! Even if you tied the knot on New Year’s Eve, the IRS counts you as married for the entire tax year. So if you're filing after a late-year wedding, you’ll still need to choose between “Married Filing Jointly” and “Married Filing Separately”—no matter how late in the year you tied the knot.

Can we switch statuses later?

It depends.

• If you filed separately, you can amend your return to file jointly within three years of the original due date.
• If you filed jointly, you generally cannot change to filing separately after the filing deadline (usually April 15), unless there's a case of fraud or error.

📝 Moral of the story: test both options before you file for the first time. Choose wisely—and test both statuses before filing.

Is it better to file jointly or separately with student loans?

It depends. Filing separately may reduce income-driven repayments, but you'll likely lose some tax benefits. On the other hand, most couples enjoy a lower tax bill with a joint tax return. Run the numbers—or use a calculator.

Will getting married bump us into a higher tax bracket?

Maybe. Combining incomes for the tax year can do that. However, the higher standard deduction and joint brackets often offset the increase in taxable income. Don’t assume—it’s worth testing both tax filing statuses.

Helpful Tools & Resources

• IRS Filing Status Tool — Answer a few questions to find the right marital status.
• W-4 After Marriage Guide — Step-by-step instructions to update your withholdings post-marriage.
• Starter Kit for Newlyweds — Your go-to resource for preparing your federal income tax return as a new couple.
• Joint vs Separate Filing Comparison — Compare married filing jointly and married filing separately.
• What Changes When You Get Married — Know the changes that can affect your tax return after tying the knot, including tax deductions, tax breaks, and other benefits.
• Organize Before Tax Season - Checklist on what to update after marriage.

Ready to File with Confidence?

Filing for the first time as a married couple can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. For peace of mind, download the Newlywed Tax Starter Kit. It can provide tips to prepare you for filing taxes after getting married.