1.10 IRS Procedures: Name Changes & Social Security Number Matching Issues
How do I change my maiden name to my married name for tax purposes?
In order to change your name, you must contact the Social
Security Administration. They will issue a new social security card reflecting
your new name and automatically send us your new name. The telephone number
for the Social Security Administration is (800) 772-1213.
References:
If I go to the Social Security Administration office to change my
name, how long does it take the IRS to update its records?
IRS records are generally updated 10 days after the records at the Social
Security Administration are changed.
References:
How can I correct the spelling of my name with IRS?
The name on the refund check is spelled the way it appears on your tax
return. If the address label you receive is spelled wrong, do not use the
label. Instead, print the information on the tax return. You can also call
(800) 829-1040 and we can change the spelling of your name over the phone.
References:
I recently got married/divorced. How do I report my change of name?
You need to contact the Social Security Administration. They will issue
you a new social security card reflecting your married name and automatically
send an update to us. You can contact the Social Security Administration at
(800) 772-1213.
References:
Do I contact you or social security to check on my name change?
You should contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213
and they can instruct you via telephone what you will need to bring to their
office in order to change your card to match your name.
References:
Do I need to change my maiden name to my married name on my social
security card for us to file jointly?
You can still file Married Filing Jointly without changing your name with
the Social Security Administration. However, you do need to show your maiden
name on the tax return instead of your married name.
I got married last year. I have filed with the Social Security Administration
for name and address change, but my Form W-2 still has my maiden name. Can
I send it in as it is with our joint return or do I need to get a new W-2?
You can use the Form W-2 (PDF) you
received from your employer. If the W-2 has your maiden name, all you have
to do is cross it out and write in your married name. The last name on the
tax return is verified through the Social Security Administration. Make sure
that the name matches the name listed with the Social Security Administration.
Tell your employer about the name and address change so that your current
Form W-2 reflects the correct information.
I got married and I have not changed the name on my social security
card to my married name. My Form W-2 is in my married name but my tax forms
came in my maiden name. Should I file with my maiden name or married name?
It is important that the name the Social Security Administration has in
its system for your social security number agrees with the name on your tax
return. You have a choice. You can file with your maiden name and contact
the Social Security Administration after
you file your return. Or, if you have enough time before the due date of your
return, you can contact the Social Security Administration and have your records
changed. Please wait 10 days to file your tax return. You can contact the
Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213.
References:
14.1 Electronic Filing (e-file) and TeleFile: Age/Name/SSN Rejects, Errors, Correction Procedures
We tried to file electronically and the tax return was rejected
because my wife's name did not match her social security number. What should
we do?
If the name on her social security card differs from what was provided
on the tax return, the electronic transmission will be rejected. This means
the return has not been filed. You need to either use the name exactly as
shown on her social security card or change her card at the Social
Security Administration and allow two weeks before resubmitting your return
electronically.
You can contact the Social Security Administration at
1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security
Administration office and follow their procedures to correct your records.
For general information about e-file, refer to Tax Topic 252, Electronic
Filing.
References:
How long after I change my name with social security will I be able
to file my tax return electronically?
Generally, two weeks after you change your name with the Social
Security Administration, the IRS should have the information and you should
be able to file electronically. If you do not have two weeks to wait before
the due date for filing your return timely, you will need to file a paper
return. For general information about e-file, refer to Tax Topic 252, Electronic
Filing.
References:
14.3 Electronic Filing (e-file) and TeleFile: Due Dates & Extension Dates for e-file
I'm in the process of getting a name and social security number
mismatch error corrected with the Social Security Administration. In the meantime,
what can I do to avoid a penalty notice for not filing my tax return on time?
If there is not enough time before the due date to get the IRS records
updated from the Social Security Administration, you will need to file a paper
return by mail. For general information about e-file, refer to Tax Topic 252, Electronic
Filing.
References:
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