conversation: User (BillyDeemer): "My wife and I have been together for 5 years, have lived together for 4 years, but are not legally married. We had a child in January, she sold her house, and together we just bought a house last month. We both work and make a little over $100k combined. We would like to legally get married but would she get a better tax return next year if she is a "single" mom who just purchased a house? \n\nEdit: We have planned a wedding before but a family member become terminally ill and things got put on hold. We will eventually get married, BUT we can wait a few more months if she would get a better tax return. "
  Self: "If you weren't married and lived in the house she owned and paid for some of the household expenses or mortgage: she also owes tax money on your contribution because it is viewed as rent. One more wrench in the number crunching. Do you have any formal agreement for splitting child expenses? Like are you paying support to her too? Owning a home together and having a child together both seem like good reasons to become legally married, there are a lot of protections that the law provides for married couples that do not exist for unmarried couples. "
  