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How Life Events Like Marriage and Divorce Impact Your Taxes?

Life events like marriage and divorce can bring about significant marriage and divorce tax changes that require special attention, like your filing status, deductions, and even your tax liability. They might look completely different after these significant changes.That’s why having the right knowledge and support is so important to avoid surprises during tax season and also make the most out of the benefits that are available to you. At SCL Tax Services, our experienced tax professionals are here to help you understand how these changes affect your taxes. Our tax accountants got you covered, from personalized advice to expert tax accounting; we’re ready to guide you every step of the way. So please stay with us until the end of this article!

Marriage: Tax Changes for New Couples 

Worried couple with bills and a laptop in the kitchen talking about tax changes for new couples.

Marriage brings plenty of joy, but it also introduces new financial considerations, especially when it comes to your taxes. Here are some key changes you need to be aware of:

Filing Status

As a married couple, you have two options: file jointly or separately. Filing jointly is often more beneficial because it allows you to take advantage of lower tax rates and credits like the earned income tax credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit. However, in some situations, filing separately may be better, such as when one spouse has high medical expenses.

Standard Deduction

Married couples filing jointly are eligible for a higher standard deduction. This can significantly reduce your taxable income and lower your overall tax liability.

Tax Brackets

Combining your incomes can push you into a different tax bracket. For some couples, this might mean higher taxes, while others may benefit from paying less overall. A knowledgeable tax accountant can help you determine the best filing strategy.

Name or Address Changes

If you’ve changed your name or moved to a new home after getting married, be sure to update your information with the IRS and Social Security Administration. This ensures your tax documents match your official records.

Divorce: Tax Implications to Consider

Close-up male signing divorce contract

Divorce is another major life change that can complicate your tax situation, and you need to make sure to keep some important key points in your mind, like:

Filing Status Changes

Once divorced, your filing status will change to single or head of household (if you qualify). This adjustment can impact your tax rates and deductions.

Alimony and Child Support

For divorces finalized before 2019, alimony payments are tax-deductible for the payer and taxable for the recipient. For divorces after 2018, alimony has no tax implications.

Child support payments are not deductible for the payer, nor are they considered taxable income for the recipient.

Claiming Dependents

Only one parent can claim a child as a dependent. This is typically decided in the divorce agreement and affects eligibility for valuable tax credits like the Child Tax Credit.

Division of Assets

Splitting property or retirement accounts during a divorce can have significant tax consequences. It’s important to understand how these transactions might trigger capital gains taxes or early withdrawal penalties.

How SCL Tax Services Can Help?

Hands of a business man preparing a financial report and working at a calculator.

After major life events like marriage and divorce, there is a lot to figure out, but you don’t have to handle the tax side of things alone. At SCL Tax Services, our top-notch tax services offer a range of solutions to make the process easier for you:

Offering Tax Services in the Bronx 

Serving the Bronx community, we’re your go-to resource for everything from basic tax preparation to navigating complex life changes.

Expert in Tax Preparation and Planning

Our tax professionals will help you prepare your taxes accurately and identify ways to reduce your liability.

Flawless Tax Accounting Process 

From filing status to deductions, our experienced tax accountants can guide you through every detail to ensure you’re in compliance while maximizing your benefits and speeding up the process.

Excellent Bookkeeping Services

Staying organized is key to managing your finances, especially during life transitions. Our bookkeeping services can help you keep track of income, expenses, and other important details.

Help You Manage Business Taxes

If your life changes include business-related tax implications, we can take care of that and help you manage it. We help you with everything from filing returns to planning strategies that save you money and keep your finances under control after significant life changes.

Take Care of Taxes During Major Life Changes with SCL Tax Services!

We understand that after experiencing life events like marriage and divorce, it is hard to pay attention to every aspect, especially when taxes are involved. That’s why SCL Tax Services is here to offer you personalized, professional tax services in and near the Bronx. Our team of seasoned tax accountants is committed to providing the guidance and support you need to make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes during these changes. Contact our trusted tax accounting team in the Bronx today for expert advice and tailored solutions. We help you with every step in the way!

FAQs – Marriage and Divorce Tax

How does marriage affect my tax filing status?

Getting married gives you two options with your taxes: married filing jointly or married filing separately. Filing jointly typically offers more benefits, like lower tax rates and credits, such as the Child Tax Credit. However, in certain cases, filing separately may be better, like if one spouse has high medical expenses.

How does divorce affect my tax filing status?

After a divorce, your filing status will change to single or head of household (if you qualify). This change can affect your tax rates, deductions, and eligibility for credits, so it’s essential to adjust accordingly.

Will marriage change my standard deduction?

Yes, married couples filing jointly are eligible for a higher standard deduction, which can significantly lower your taxable income and reduce your overall tax liability.

Do I need to update my name and address after marriage?

Yes, if you change your name or move after marriage, make sure to update your details with the IRS and Social Security Administration. This ensures your tax records match your official documents.

Need Tax help?

We are here to relieve you of the tax pressure by offering a wide range of Tax Services In & Near Bronx, NY. If you need expert advice or need us to complete your taxes, we will provide it for you. We know you work hard, so we work hard to serve your needs.

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