| It may not be high on the list of wedding planning | | | | Refund Checks |
| activities, but there are a few simple steps that | | | | Each year, the Postal Service returns thousands |
| can help keep tax issues from interrupting your | | | | of tax refund checks as undeliverable, usually |
| newly wedded bliss. If you recently married, | | | | because the addressee has moved. Notifying both |
| check out your new tax situation. You might save | | | | the Postal Service and the IRS of an address |
| money or even prevent the problem of a missing | | | | change in a timely manner can help ensure the |
| refund check. | | | | proper delivery of any refund checks. To check |
| The first things to handle are changes of name | | | | the status of a tax refund, go to the IRS web |
| and address. Later, as tax season approaches, | | | | site and use the "Where's My Refund?" service. |
| consider whether or not you'll itemize deductions, | | | | Changing Filing Status |
| which tax return form is right for you and what | | | | Your marital status on December 31 determines |
| filing status you'll use. | | | | whether you are considered married for that |
| No one should delay the cake cutting or | | | | year. Married persons may file their federal |
| honeymoon because of taxes. But here are some | | | | income tax return either jointly or separately in |
| helpful hints for later: | | | | any given year. Choosing the right filing status |
| Use Your Correct Name | | | | may save you money. |
| You must provide correct names and identification | | | | A joint return (Married Filing Jointly) allows spouses |
| numbers to claim personal exemptions on your | | | | to combine their income and to deduct combined |
| tax return. If you changed your name upon | | | | deductions and expenses on a single tax return. |
| marrying, let the Social Security Administration | | | | Both spouses must sign the return and both are |
| know and update your Social Security card so the | | | | held responsible for the contents. |
| number matches your new name. Use Form | | | | With separate returns (Married Filing Separately), |
| SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card. | | | | each spouse signs, files and is responsible for his |
| Change of Address | | | | or her own tax return. Each is taxed on his or her |
| If you or your spouse has a new address, notify | | | | own income, and can take only his or her individual |
| the U.S. Postal Service so that it will be able to | | | | deductions and credits. If one spouse itemizes |
| forward any tax refunds or IRS correspondence. | | | | deductions, the other must also. |
| The Postal Service will also pass your new | | | | Which filing status should you select? It depends |
| address on to IRS for updating. You may also | | | | entirely on your specific situation. You should |
| notify to notify the IRS directly by filing Form | | | | consider sitting down with a tax professional to |
| 8822. | | | | make a determination. |