May often marks significant life milestones—weddings, moves, and sometimes separations. These transitions bring more than emotional shifts—they can significantly impact your taxes. In these moments, your tax situation needs a fresh look.

Taking time now to understand the implications can help you avoid costly surprises later. From choosing the right filing status to adjusting your withholdings, small proactive steps can make a big difference when tax season rolls around.

Update your name and address

If you've changed your name, notify the Social Security Administration. The IRS matches your name with your Social Security number; mismatches can delay or even reject your return. This is especially common after marriage or divorce, so updating this early avoids unnecessary hassle.

Address changes are just as important. Whether you're moving into a new home with your spouse or relocating after a separation, make sure the IRS, your employer, and any financial institutions have your current address so that tax forms and notices reach you on time.

Watch your withholding

After getting married, many couples are caught off guard by the "marriage penalty." Combining incomes can push you into a higher tax bracket, resulting in an unexpected balance due—even if you each received refunds before. A quick review of your W-4 can help prevent this.

Instead of relying on the IRS's worksheets, consider estimating your total household income and running a mini-tax projection. From there, you can adjust your paycheck withholding better to reflect your actual tax liability throughout the year.

Choose the right filing status

Married couples can choose to file jointly or separately, and this decision should be evaluated annually. While joint filing usually offers better tax benefits, there are scenarios—especially involving high medical bills or student loans—where separate returns save more.

Depending on their situation, divorced or separated individuals may qualify to file as single or head of household. Your filing status affects your tax rate, standard deduction, and eligibility for certain credits, so it's worth reviewing closely.

Life changes, tax impact

Big life moments like having a baby, adopting, or starting a side business can significantly change your tax picture. These shifts can introduce new credits, such as the Child Tax Credit or Adoption Credit, and may require updates to your withholding or filing approach.

Even losing a dependent or watching a child age out of eligibility can impact your return. Make it a habit to reassess your tax strategy any time your household or income situation changes.

Every return is different

Your tax results may look completely different even if you earn the same salary as a friend or coworker. Factors like mortgage interest, charitable donations, or how a loan is titled can make a big difference in your final return.

That's why it's important to avoid comparisons and instead focus on your specific details. Every taxpayer's situation is unique, and your best approach is tailored planning, not assumptions based on someone else's outcome.

Stay proactive

The best time to address tax changes is before they become a problem. Whether getting married, divorced, or experiencing another major shift, a quick check-in with your tax professional can save time and money.

Update your personal information, evaluate your filing status, and confirm your withholding is on track. A little planning now will keep things smooth—and stress-free—when the next tax season arrives.