In short
In the year you marry or register a civil partnership, you're each taxed as single. After that year ends, you can usually claim back any tax you'd have saved as a couple from the date of the marriage. From the next year you choose how you're assessed, and joint assessment often saves money when one partner earns more.
The year you marry
Nothing changes in your payroll during the year. Once the year is over, you can claim a refund of the difference between what you paid as two single people and what you'd have paid as a couple, for the part of the year after the wedding. Many couples never claim it.
From the next year: choose your assessment
| Option | What it means |
|---|---|
| Joint assessment | Credits and the standard rate band can be shared, which helps when incomes differ. One of you is the "assessable spouse". |
| Separate assessment | Credits are split between you, and each deals with your own tax. |
| Single assessment | You're each taxed as if unmarried. |
Changed your surname?
Update your name with Revenue in myAccount. When you sign up with us, give your previous surname so we can find your record.
Credits couples often miss
Sources
Revenue: Tax treatment of married couples and civil partners, and the year of marriage, on revenue.ie. Add the exact page links before publishing ◆.
General information, not advice on your own situation. TaxMind checks your record before filing anything.
