What Is Common-Law Marriage?
A common-law marriage is a term for a union in which a couple has lived together for a certain amount of time in a conjugal fashion. They are both in a marriage-like relationship, but without actually being legally married.
Key Points
- The IRS recognizes common-law marriages as legal marriages and if you have a valid common-law marriage you are considered married for tax purposes.
- Many couples these days are choosing to live together rather than get married.
- Changes are being made to the law that will give unmarried couples opportunities to establish legal partnership rights.
