TaxMan
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Even though it is illegal to get divorced to save on taxes (believe it or not) assuming you continue to act like a married couple (live together, share each other's income, etc.), it is not illegal to get married to save on taxes. Keep in mind, the document that says you are married also has other stipulations such as a financial commitment to each other. Your intentions may be strictly to save on taxes, but are you sure your spouse's are equally directed? What do you think will happen to your possessions after a divorce? Assuming you have a platonic relationship and permit each other to date, all your spouse needs is proof that you are "cheating" and the divorce could be downright messy.
Finally, you are probably a bit misdirected in thinking that a married couple gets better tax advantage over two single people. It may be better than it was before 2005, but rarely do I find a married couple whose tax return is significantly better than it would be if they were still single. If the one spouse earns very little or nothing, then maybe. But, if you are both earning reasonable incomes, you are probably better off or at least equally off being single. Is it really worth the risk of a bloody divorce?
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chance
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No.
Basically you can marry for any reason that you like. You can marry because you both have freckles and red hair; or you both worship Dan Rather.
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yahoohoo
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It is perfectly legal to get married for that purpose or for any other.
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Dave
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While the "marriage penalty" has been eliminated or reduced at the lower brackets, there is still a penalty for marriage at higher incomes. There is not a tax break for married folks and some pay more than two singles.
I have never seen anything that would prohibit marriage for tax purposes since it frequently leads to higher tax.
Fun fact: There is reference in revenue rulings to a "sham divorce." The term comes from a case years ago when a highly compensated married couple took an annual Christmas vacation to the Bahamas. They obtained a legal divorce and since they were single at year end both filed as single. They remarried each January. The tax savings more than paid for the vacation. The government was not amused and required them to file as a married couple. The term "sham divorce" entered the tax code.
You may marry for any reason you wish, but a repetitive divorce for tax reasons may raise questions.
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Kristin B
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I don't think it's illegal but seems like it wouldn't be much help to you anyway. If you're "married" but still living in separate households... doesn't make sense. And I don't think that taxes are cut waaaay down. I didn't notice much of a difference in my taxes after I got married as opposed to before. It's still all based on your income.
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twinky
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that is pretty damn sad that you have to use marriage as an escape for your taxes..what the hell is the matter with people today..try donating some to charity and take a writeoff
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extra_37
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It is not illegal. However, the difference in taxes for married and single is getting smaller. Congress has been attempting to eliminate the "marriage penalty" as well. Getting married to avoid taxes (not did not say "evade") might save some money in the short term, but when you finally meet someone whom you do want to marry, the divorce could easily eat that savings up.
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vegas_iwish
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Taxes are not way down at all for married at all. Feel free to marry but whoever told you that not too bright.
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Fool in the Rain
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Your taxes aren't cut down when you get married. When it starts making a difference is when a married couple starts having children. Without children, they are essentially get the same tax benefits that single people do. Some people, depending on how high their income is, even pay more taxes after they are married. So, unless you plan on having kids as well, you're just wasting your time.
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BSFSU
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It is not illegal. Keep in mind that marriage can be trouble in other ways, though. Especially if you're in a community property state.
I encourage people to get married for tax purposes. It is ridiculous that single people pay more. Please, somebody... justify charging single people a higher tax rate. What? With a 50% divorce rate, do we really want to encourage marriage with tax breaks?
One question, though. Don't you have to consummate a marriage in order for it to be valid? If so, and being good law-abiding citizens you do, just for tax reasons, does this mean that your screwing so you don't get screwed by the government. (I had to say it!)
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Kenshin
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I have never hear of such a thing, If would be actually be a funny statement if it weren't so sad to feel that TAX in this country has gotten to a point where people have to change the way they live to lower their taxes.
The IRS does NOT care for whatever reasons you get marry. No more then they do about why you get divorce. That the Job for the INS or in this current administration CIA.
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viajero_intergalactico
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NO.
you can only get married if you are in love!!!
but seriously...the tax break to a married couple is nothing if you both work.
people get married for different reasons...some for love, some to get taken care of, some for tax reasons...if you want to do it for taxes...go ahead...its not illegal. remember marriage is a contract with another person. it has both pros and cons.
if you do get married for tax purposes...its not worth it if the other person works and claims themselves on their taxes. them if you get a divorce, the may be able to collect alimony or palimony.
dont do it.
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♥cutemamma♥
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i am not sure about illegal.. but it sound aweful.. and very dishonest!!
But then again.. i have met ppl that married just for the insurance.. ugh!! i say just stay single.. pay your taxes and deal with it.. millions of single ppl do.. so why not u?
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Jenny J
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It won't cut your taxes waaaaaay down. But you will have shared bills, shared medical insurance, etc. That saves money. I had a friend who married someone for tax purposes. His life just sucks now. They don't get along and they feel obligated to give it a try.
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Serious Answers
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Taxes do not go down when you get married, they do when you do something else with that person (I won't meantion cause I wouldn't want you to do this either just to pay less taxes) but not marraige (at least not in my experience) and how horrible to get married just to cut taxes, that's is so wrong. You'll pay more mentally if you do something like that. (the IRS could look at this question you posted, haha)
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Bush Kills For God
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Having a kid and going to college will reduce your taxes too!
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i-care
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it's called fraud. and there are number of reasons they would do an audit. if you are married, one of you would not have to be working for the entire year (or make less than $600). The working partner would have to claim the non-working partner and yes, you do get a little extra money. No where near what you could earn yourself by working...
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