Event Checklist

 

Healthcare and Insurance

Contact your Human Resources Department for information about adding a new dependent to your other benefit plans, and paperwork that is necessary to complete. In addition to enrolling your spouse in your health plans, you may want to consider changes to your beneficiary designation on your retirement and insurance plans. Contact your Human Resources Department for information on beneficiary designations.

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Tax Benefits of Marriage

• Lower Tax Bracket: When filing jointly, your combined income may place you in a lower tax bracket, reducing your overall tax liability.

• Retirement Savings: Use your spouse’s income to fund your individual retirement account (IRA), even if you don’t earn wages. Consider both traditional and Roth IRAs.

• Standard Deduction: Joint filers enjoy a higher standard deduction, which lowers your taxable income.

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The Internal Revenue Service's W-4 Form has been set in a web-ready, electronic format.  If you wish to change your withholding, download it and print it out at your leisure.

 

Review Life Insurance Coverage

Now is an important time to review and update your life insurance coverage. You should find insurance calculators helpful in thinking about how much life insurance you should purchase. It is also advisable for you to consult with your financial advisor. 

 

Apply for a Social Security Card for Child

If you legally change your name because you get married, you will need to apply for a corrected Social Security card with your changed name. Failure to do so could delay a tax refund coming to you or prevent some of your pay from being credited properly to your Social Security record, which could cause your future Social Security benefits to be less than they should be.

 

You will need to provide a recently issued document, such as your marriage license / certificate, as proof of your legal name change. If the document you provide does not give the Social Security Administration enough information to identify you in its records, you will be asked for an identity document showing your old name and another in your new name providing evidence of your identity.

 

You will need to fill out an Application for a Social Security Card (SS-5) form and submit it. You can download a copy of the SS-5 form and instructions in an electronic format from here and print it out at your leisure. The instructions include details on acceptable evidence of your identity.

 

Note: Social Security telephone lines are busiest early in the week and early in the month, so, if possible, avoid those times. The Social Security Administration treats all information as confidential Also, you can visit the Social Security web site or call 1-800-772-1213 at any hour of the day toll-free. If you wish to speak to a service representative, call between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Eastern time on business days. If you are hearing-impaired, call 1-800-325-0778 instead.  ​Social Security treats all information as confidential.

 

Reminder: If you are working, also tell your employer about your name change.

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Legal Documentation

• Obtain your marriage certificate and update your legal documents (e.g., driver’s license, Social Security, and bank accounts).

• Consider creating or updating a will to protect your assets and ensure your wishes are honored.

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Financial Planning

• Discuss financial goals, budgeting, and joint accounts.

• Consider meeting with a financial advisor to plan for long-term financial stability.

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Remember, marriage is a beautiful union filled with love, growth, and shared dreams. May your journey be blessed with joy and companionship!

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