Tuesday, May 11, 2010

How does the state tax work when you get married in the middle of the year ?

I got married in April of 2006. My wife came from a state that did not have a state income tax. I live in a state that does. Once we got married, she moved to my state. My question is, does she have to pay state income tax from the day we got married to the end of the year, or does she have to pay for the whole year ?How does the state tax work when you get married in the middle of the year ?
She should be able to list herself as a part year resident and only owe tax for the time she lived in the state. Speak to your state taxing authority about how to do this. There is usually a box on the tax form where the tax payer can indicate part year resident. Good luck.How does the state tax work when you get married in the middle of the year ?
She pays state income tax in her former home state for the income earned there. Most states have a part-year return to apportion her income between the two domiciles. Then she pays state tax for your state once she moves there.





You'll have to check both states' websites for the forms and instructions. Some states will require her to file a separate return for the part years (VA used to) while others allow a regular joint return listing only her income in her former state.
You pay for part of the year she lived in each state. There is a option on the forms to choose living half the year in one state and half the year in another state. You will have to file for both states but pay prorated tax on each state's rates based on your partial living status in each state
I presume that you are asking if any monies which she made prior to her joining you in the state where you are now paying taxes, is taxable. The answer is no. She is only responsible for any monies which she received after joining you. You can verify this, by calling your local state tax office, or by using an accountant to do your taxes.
It should be from the time of her residency in your state.

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