Bride and calculator
Wedding cost concept by calculator and the bride blur in background

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In all the frenzy that goes into the June wedding season, the last thing and bride- or groomzilla is thinking about is their tax situation – but as Mark Luscombe, principal federal tax analyst at Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting points out, there are a host of tax issues that kick in when you say, “I do.”

Luscombe suggested a number of areas where a tax practitioner’s expertise may be particularly useful to the newlyweds.
Wedding ring and checkbook

1. Help them pick a filing status

Depending on the newlyweds’ financial situation, there may be pros and cons to filing jointly or separately.
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Bride write on registration of marriage

2. Spread the word on name changes

If either spouse’s name will change on the tax return, a matching change should be registered with the Social Security Administration.
Bride and groom with phones
the bride and groom with mobile in hand. Modern wedding with gadgets.

3. Help sort out their benefits

All sorts of employee benefits – most obviously health care insurance – are extended to spouses, which can mean making some complicated choices.
Nervous groom
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4. Check their withholding

With the potential for a new filing status, new dependents, and maybe two income streams, it makes sense to review the newlyweds’ W-4 and check if they’re withholding too little or too much.
Wedding food

5. Find some charitable deductions

Is the happy couple using a charitable organization’s facilities for their wedding or reception? Or are they donating any wedding leftovers?
Parents with newlyweds
Bride, groom and parents exchanging wishes

6. Did they get help paying for the wedding?

Given how expensive weddings have become – the average event costs around $35,000, according to Wolters Kluwer -- if parents or grandparents paid for expenses related to the special day, there may be gift tax issues.
Wedding candy
wedding gift for guest

7. Be careful with promotional items

Extra items from wedding vendors – a “free” tuxedo, extra flower arrangements, or the like – and other special deals may have tax consequences.
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