Are you newly and legally wed? Here’s some tax information for you and your spouse.
Marriage equality is the law of the land in all 50 states. In a historic decision on June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down state bans on same-sex marriage, resolving a civil rights debate that has raged for more than four decades. The decision grants LGBT couples the same rights as other couples with regard to health insurance, child custody, medical decision-making authority, and more. It also levels the tax-filing scenario for same-sex couples who choose to marry.
The new choices
In the past, same-sex married couples living in states that didn’t recognize their marriage had extra requirements when filing income tax returns. Typically, that meant filing federal tax returns as a married couple and state tax returns as single/unmarried individuals. That increased the time, effort, and expense of filing.
Now, those same couples can simply file as married, either jointly or separately, at both the federal and state level. But does simply checking a different box on your tax forms guarantee a better outcome? Not necessarily.
If you and your partner earn roughly the same amount of money, filing jointly could bump you into a higher tax bracket – a circumstance known as the marriage penalty. On the contrary, if one spouse earns little or no income, and the other is the primary wage earner, filing jointly may result in a marriage bonus. In other words, by tying the knot, you may wind up owing Uncle Sam less than if you remained single.*
Domestic partnerships and civil unions
It’s important to keep in mind the Supreme Court’s recent ruling applies only to same-sex married couples, not to registered domestic partnerships or civil unions. Although a handful of states recognize domestic partnerships and civil unions, the IRS does not. So, while these designations may offer some of the same rights and responsibilities available to married couples, it’s only at a state level and on a state-by-state basis.
It’s important to keep in mind the Supreme Court’s recent ruling applies only to same-sex married couples, not to registered domestic partnerships or civil unions. Although a handful of states recognize domestic partnerships and civil unions, the IRS does not. So, while these designations may offer some of the same rights and responsibilities available to married couples, it’s only at a state level and on a state-by-state basis.
Tax benefits that apply to all
What’s become clear since the Supreme Court’s decision is same-sex married couples grappling with how to file their tax returns can’t count on a one-size-fits-all solution. However, here’s what you can count on:*
- The ability to transfer an unlimited amount of assets to your spouse, free from federal gift or estate taxes, either during life or at death.
- The right to leave your spouse property upon your death that doesn’t come with a heavy estate tax bill due to the unlimited marital deduction.
- More tax-planning options upon inheriting your spouse’s retirement account.
- The right to open an Individual Retirement Account on your spouse’s earnings record, if you are unemployed.
Indeed, the tax benefits afforded to same-sex spouses are finally on par with those of heterosexual spouses. If you’re already married or thinking of getting married, do take the time to talk with your tax advisor to see how your marital status might impact your income tax and your financial future as a married couple.
Timing your marriage to minimize taxes
Choosing a wedding date that accommodates family, friends, and employers — not to mention the church and reception hall — is a wedding planner’s greatest challenge. So should you also consider Uncle Sam when selecting a date?
Your tax filing status is determined on December 31 of each year. For tax purposes, that means even if you wait until the last day of the year to walk down the aisle, the IRS will consider you married for that entire year. If there is a notable disparity between your and your partner’s income, then getting married by December 31 could benefit your tax situation. However, if your combined income pushes you into a higher tax bracket, you may want to marry January 1 of the following year to avoid a negative impact on your current-year tax bill.*
Income isn’t the only factor that influences whether marriage will result in a tax penalty or bonus. Answering questions such as who incurs deductible expenses, who can claim children as dependents, and what tax preferences you might qualify for can also help you gauge the potential effects of marriage on your tax situation—and enable you and your partner to determine the best time to exchange vows.
* Our firm does not provide legal or tax advice.