Hi Folks,

Not sure if anyone has gone through this similar scenario, but as most people in India will agree that weddings are a costly affair and the expense begins 7-8 months prior to the actual wedding with deposits, reservations and the endless number of gift items that need to be accumulated for the bride-to-be and families of the couple to be married.

In our case the expenses started off back in August '06 when we got engaged leading up to our wedding on Jan 25th 2007...

So this puts me in a tough spot. For my 2006 Tax return I will have to file as a 'Single' since the registration of the wedding happened in 2007. But is there any way to make some claims/deductions/etc to get some tax money back given that expenses began in 2006? I sent money through banking channels so I have proof that money was sent to India for marriage purposes in 2006....

Thanks!!
/UM

I hope you are kidding! You can not deduct the cost of your wedding from your taxes... no matter where that wedding is.

Also, weddings in the US tend to be a bit costly also.

Nope don't want to deduct the cost of the wedding, but was wondering if there is anything I can deduct or do to take advantage of the fact that my expenses towards the marriage began in '06 since I can't file as 'married'... grasping at straws but trying to save some money!

Sorry to disappoint you but the wedding cost is not tax deductible, the money you sent are not tax deductible, even if you were married in 2006 you would not be able to deduct wedding cost and remit you sent out to India, the only break you would have is the married status and without your partner's income from india, that would help you out on your tax return, congrats on your wedding.

Thanks Nikita2Charles, appreciate the response. Was hoping there were some things that can help me save some money, but looks like I'll be paying the full bill with a huge tip for 2006!

Best,
/UM