MARRIED... OR NOT?

If you are married as of December 31st of a year, you are considered married for the whole year. Your filing status depends on your marital status.

The standard deduction for married filing jointly is $12,400 for 2014, with an additional $1,200 for each spouse age 65 or older, or blind.

For married filing separately, the standard deduction is $6,200 with an additional $1,200 for age 65 or older, or blind.

If you are single and not head of household, your standard deduction is $6,200 and your additional amount for age 65 or older, or blind is $1,550.

If you are head of household, your standard deduction is $9,100 and your additional amount is $1,550 for age 65 or older, or blind.  If you are a qualifying widow(er) with dependent child, the standard deduction is $12,400 with an additional amount of $1,200 for age 65 or older, or blind.

The names and social security numbers (SSNs) of each person on your return must match those on file with the Social Security Administration (SSA). If a name is changed for any reason, it needs to be updated with the SSA.

A spouse can never be claimed as a dependent even if he or she had no income.

When newly married, each spouse should review, and probably change, their Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate, to reflect the change in filing status.