Press Release Details

Taking the Plunge Has Major Tax and Financial Implications for Newlyweds

KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 4, 2007--The ceremony was a success, the rings fit, and the vows were a hit: When it comes to planning their weddings, couples let no detail go unnoticed. If only they were as astute at preparing for a joint financial future, starting a life together might be a piece of cake.

With wedding season in full swing, H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) reminds newlyweds that tying the knot means new tax issues that tax professionals can help couples manage:

• Marriage means choices. The IRS allows married couples to file using the "married filing jointly" or "married filing separately" status. Each has advantages that can be difficult to understand. For example, if a taxpayer claims medical expenses or other itemized deductions that are limited by their adjusted gross income, filing separately may be the way to go. But if the person wants to claim most tax credits or deduct their IRA contribution, they'll probably need to file jointly. Consulting a tax professional helps in determining the right choice for couples filing for the first time.
• Social Security numbers don't change, but anyone who has changed their last name will need to apply for a new Social Security card. If the name and number don't match, the IRS might delay processing of the return, which means a refund could take longer than usual to arrive.
• Marriage also means adjusting retirement savings. Besides changing filing status on an employer's 401(k) account, newly married taxpayers also should consider increased limits for tax-deductible IRA contributions. If the couple's income meets certain limits, they could qualify for more of a deduction. In some scenarios, one spouse also may "borrow" from the other's earnings to meet the limits.
• Inform the IRS of a new address. If the IRS does not have the correct address on file for a newly married couple, it could take longer for a refund to arrive. Taxpayers shouldn't count on mail to be automatically forwarded and should consider filing Form 8822 to inform the IRS.

Divorce also can change a taxpayer's financial situation. The best advice is to understand the divorce agreement and its terms, especially key components that could complicate a tax return:

• Alimony is taxable and deductible. The person who provides alimony can claim the payments as a deduction, while the person who receives it can avoid a large end-of-year tax bill by paying estimated taxes during the year. Unlike alimony, child support is not deductible or taxable.
• Who claims children? The parent who has custody of a child usually can claim the child as a dependent. However, with the custodial parent's consent, the parent without custody can claim the child. (The custodial parent may still be able to claim certain tax benefits related to the child, including head of household filing status, the Earned Income Tax Credit, and the child-care credit.)
• Who is a head of household? There are several factors for determining the head of a household. A few include being considered "unmarried" on the last day of the year, having children or other dependents who live with you, and paying more than half the cost of providing a home for dependents. Taxpayers should consult with a tax professional to determine if they qualify for head of household status.
• Divorce, annulment and legal separation are considered the same by the IRS for tax purposes. The way a tax return is affected by the situation depends on how the decree is worded, and in cases where state and federal law differ, the IRS will side with the federal government.

More information about how marriage, divorce and other life changes can affect taxpayers' financial situations is available at www.hrblock.com. In addition, taxpayers can visit one of more than 4,000 H&R Block offices open year-round to speak with a tax professional about available tax benefits and how to claim them.

About H&R Block

H&R Block Inc. (NYSE: HRB) is a leading provider of tax, financial, and accounting and business consulting services and products. H&R Block is the world's largest tax services provider, having prepared more than 400 million tax returns since 1955. The company and its subsidiaries reported revenues of $4.9 billion and net income of $490 million in fiscal year 2006. The company currently operates in three principal business segments: Tax Services (income tax preparation and advice via in-office, online and software solutions); Business Services (accounting, tax and business consulting services for midsized companies); and Consumer Financial Services (investment and financial advisory services and banking services). Headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., H&R Block markets its continuing services and products under two leading brands - H&R Block and RSM McGladrey. For more information visit our Online Press Center at www.hrblock.com.

CONTACT: H&R Block
Dan Smith, 816-854-4287
mediadesk@hrblock.com

SOURCE: H&R Block