IRS Name Change for the Married and Divorced

IRS Name Change for the Married and Divorced

It's that time of year again. The time when we all look up, see the date on the calendar and think "oh no. Taxes are due how soon? Arrrrghhhh!"

The last thing on your mind right now—now that you've noticed the date—is working on changing your name. "That can wait for a while," you might be thinking. "I need to find those receipts and that W-2 and wait… am I filing taxes alone or are we filing together? How do you even do married taxes?"

Let's leave the "how do you do married taxes" question for another time. For now, let's just impress upon you that this is not the time to stop working on getting your name changed. In fact, now is the time when you want to ramp up your name change, particularly if you haven't yet changed your name with the Social Security Administration.

IMPORTANT: You cannot file your taxes under your new married name until you have legally changed your name with the Social Security Administration.

ALSO IMPORTANT THOUGH LESS FUN: If you are divorced and have taken back your maiden name (or taken on a new name altogether), the same rule applies.

The name you give to the IRS and the name on file with the SSA has to match.

This is because the IRS verifies the information you put on your taxes with the information on file with the Social Security Administration. If it doesn't match badness ensues, such as a potential delay in receiving any tax refund that you're entitled to.

The IRS may simply decide that, since the information doesn't match, it will not process your taxes. Because this is the "busy season" for them, you might not receive notification about this until well after the deadline for filing has passed. Failure to file is not a boat in which anybody wants to sit.

If the IRS does process your taxes, it may decide to hold on to your return until the name on file with the SSA matches the name you entered on your forms. Again, it might take weeks for this decision to be communicated to you. This is not helpful if you had big plans for your tax return!

You could get entangled in weeks of red tape, forms and headaches as you work to get the Social Security office and the IRS on the same page. And believe us, getting everybody on the same page is going to be your responsibility. These agencies merely process forms and hunt down errors. Fixing the errors is not in either of their wheel houses.

Nobody wants to deal with all of that.

Usually, changing your name with the SSA isn't that big a deal. You simply mail in the correct form, legal proof of your name change (a certified copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree should suffice unless you live in a state where more steps need to be taken) and wait for your new card to arrive in the mail. Pretty easy, right?

Sorry, not today!

Because it's later in March and your taxes need to be filed by April 15, there is no guarantee that the SSA will receive your paperwork and get your name change processed in time. You're going to have to go down to the SSA office and change it in person.

Changing your name is one of those things that feels like a giant hassle. It's understandable that you'd want to put it off for as long as possible. Luckily there are things that you can use to help streamline the name change process. If you wanted, you could even get almost all of your name changing done (or at least set the wheels in motion) in a single day.

What matters is that you don't put it off. Putting it off, like most things that feel like a giant hassle, only makes the problem worse. Once you get started you'll see how little of a hassle the process actually is.

In this case, the good news is that, because you're actually going to the office, the system should process your name change within a day or two. Hooray!

Still, you'll want to wait at least ten business days before you actually file your taxes, just to give the SSA some wiggle room. That's okay though: you need that time to find your receipts, W-2s and fill out your forms!

Our name change kit helps you change your name, either before or after marriage.

View Packages

293 Comments

  1. Kristen

    Hi, I got married in July 2016. I have not changed my name with the ssa or any where else. Would I still file single since I haven't changed my last name any where?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Would I still file single since I haven't changed my last name any where?

      Your name change (or non-name change) wouldn't impact how you file. Although you have to specify your marital status as married, you can opt to file as married filing separately.

      Reply
      1. Nina

        I was married on 4/15/2001 and became a victim of identity Theft in 2010 and 2011 and they continue to make me file in my maiden name.my ssa , drivers license and my whole life is under my married name. However I sent all my verifications in to them. I filed my married name instead of my maiden name by mistake on tt this year. Will this delay me? I have a pin they send me each year to use and I did. Also my driver's license and social security card I sent them has my married name on it. Will they make me amend or send the same info in again? Please help

        Reply
        1. Tyrone Jones

          Hi Nina. The IRS goes by what's on your social security record, so I don't see where a problem will arise.

          Reply
  2. warren

    Me and my wife got married but she has not changed her last name yet so she wanted to know how she would file . Would she put single or married

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Would she put single or married

      She'd put marital status as married, whether or not her name has changed.

      Reply
  3. Jessica

    I got married in January. I filed my taxes under old name, they've been excepted online. Can I change my name now? Or do I need to wait til I actually get my return?

    Reply
  4. Taisha

    Hi, I tried filing my taxes electronically and they were rejected because I got married and never changed my last name with the SSA. I went and changed my last name and they said it would update overnight and the IRS would be able to see it the next day. I tried to file again the next day and it still rejected it with the same error, I not have time to mail it in what should I do?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Taisha. You can contact the IRS to inquire. If it was successfully changed with the SSA, they do auto-notify the IRS to update their records.

      Reply
  5. Caroline

    I received my divorce decree and changed my name 24 hours later.
    Unfortunately this happened in November, so my W-2's have my married name and not my maiden name I got back. My name is changed on my SS and DL. I have to file as my maiden name. Will it matter my W-2's are with my married name?

    Reply
  6. janell

    I filed my taxes under maiden name they have been accepted by the IRS.. Can I go in and change my ss to married last name.. If so will it effect my return?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Janell. You can change it. The SSA will notify the IRS when your name is updated to keep both institutions in sync.

      Reply
  7. RitaRené Morton

    I got divorced and I change my name back to my maiden name but all my W2 say my married name I see that you're saying we need to file a w-2c form with all of my employers but do they give that corrected form to me or do they file it themselves and I still use the W-2 forms they gave me? Also is the form going to be exactly the same except with my corrected name and if so can I already file my taxes with all the same information and just Mark that they are corrected W-2 when I file online? Or do I have to actually wait to get all need W-2s from all of my employer's?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      I see that you're saying we need to file a w-2c form with all of my employers but do they give that corrected form to me or do they file it themselves and I still use the W-2 forms they gave me?

      Your employers will not submit the W-2C to you. They'll file it themselves and reissue you a corrected W-2.

      Also is the form going to be exactly the same except with my corrected name and if so can I already file my taxes with all the same information and just Mark that they are corrected W-2 when I file online?

      Other than the correction, they'll be the same. If you're confident you'll get the corrected W-2 before tax day or when you have to file, then it's a good idea to wait. If you don't think you can get it in time, you can request an extension. If you can't wait and must file with the old W-2, you can submit an amendment later.

      Reply
  8. Monica Stroud

    Hello I'm wanting to know if me and my husband got married Aug 5 2016 so we have to file together?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Monica. No, you don't have to file together. Both of you can file as "married filing separately."

      Reply
  9. Andre Gill

    I have a question I got married in 2016 of November and I have not received my wedding Marriage certificate nor have my wife changed her name with social security so when we file can we still file married or Jointly?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Andre. You'd mark your marital status as married. How you file, is a separate matter. You can file married filing jointly, or married filing separately.

      Reply
  10. Holly

    I was notified by the IRS that I never filed a return in 2012. I have since been divorced and been going by my maiden name for the last 4 years. The information on my 1099 form under 2012 transcript shows my married name. What name should I use on my W-2?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Holly. You'd use the name that matches what's on your most current social security card.

      Reply
  11. Calley

    Hi, I got married in May of 2016. I filed with Social Security and changed my name over in July 2016. I filed jointly with my husband and used my new married name. I e-filed our return on Feb. 1st 2016 and it still shows processing. Would there be a reason why it is taking so long? We only had W2's for our return. However one of mine still had my maiden name on the W2. Could this be what is holding up the return?

    Should I try and send in a paper file return with a copy of my marriage certificate and the W2's?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Would there be a reason why it is taking so long? We only had W2's for our return. However one of mine still had my maiden name on the W2. Could this be what is holding up the return?

      This name mismatch could be a reason. Your return could be flagged for manual review. Whether it'll pass or get rejected is unclear. You'll have to contact the IRS to determine the status.

      Should I try and send in a paper file return with a copy of my marriage certificate and the W2's?

      A corrected W2 would make sense.

      Reply
  12. Jocelyn

    I have a question, I got married January 2017. Do I file my taxes on my own or should I file joint with my husband? I've heard that if I file joint I may have issues with the IRS since I wasn't married in 2016 for the year that I am filing taxes.

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Jocelyn. You can do either. You can file as married filing jointly or married filing separately.

      Reply
  13. Yolanda

    I have question I changed my last name with the SSAafter being married that was in September 2016 I filed my taxes on 2/14/17 as did my husband his refund has been approved mines however is still in the processing stage I'm worried that I may still have to verify my identity should I call them?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Yolonda. Delays could be the result of a name mismatch, such as the name on your SS card not matching what you submitted. If not that, then it could be for a variety of other reasons. You may have to contact them to get the current status.

      Reply
  14. Laura C. Perez

    I have a question I changed my last to my married name back on October 2016. Also did changes on Drivers License and SS card and my passport. Everything matches including my W2, now this is my first year filing jointly with my husband. Will I have a delay on my return this year by being my first time filing together. I called because I filed my return on 2/21/2017 it was received and accepted that same day. Now I called and they told me it was going to take an additional 2 weeks to process the return. What can the problem be?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Laura. There doesn't appear to be a problem. If you're expecting a return, it could take up to three weeks, which is not abnormal. You can look up the status of your refund using the where's my refund tool on the IRS website.

      Reply
  15. Stephanie

    If i got married in August 2016 and have not changed my name on anything including Social Security can I file single or do I have to file married? Everything we own is in my name and his name is not on anything. I read that if we file married filing separately he has to itemize as well yet he has nothing to itemize.

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Stephanie. You can't mark single, as that's no longer applicable to you. You must mark your marital status as "married", although you can file as "married filing separately" instead of "married filing jointly."

      Reply
  16. Alk

    I am married and when I efiled it wouldn't take my married name only my maiden name and w2 s are under my married name. Now it's under review. What will they do

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Alk. It'll undergo manual review. If they're unable to resolve it on their end, you'll be contacted to make corrections.

      Reply
  17. Shareasa

    Hi, I got married in September 2016 but haven't yet changed my last name bc I'm doing a wedding ceremony on our 1 year anniversary and that's when I would have officially changed everything. My W-2 has my maiden name and so does my SS card. Can my spouse & I file our taxes as single or should we do married filing separately?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Shareasa. You wouldn't file as single. You'd either file as married filing separately or married filing jointly.

      Reply
  18. Julie

    I haven't change my name through social security yet, but I filed taxes under my married name. my taxes were rejected..I'm going to change my name tomorrow what would the next step be to make sure I get my refund?

    Reply
  19. Lora Morales

    My husband and I were married 2 years ago but I have not changed my name to my married name. We would like to file jointly this year are we able to do this? Or does my name have to be changed to my married name?

    Reply
  20. Jaden

    Hi I married my husband in 2015 and haven't gotten my name changed can we still jointly or do we have to file married but separate.

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Jaden. You can file as either married filing jointly or married filing separately. Whatever you choose, you must specify your marital status as married.

      Reply
  21. Jennifer Henderson

    My mother filed my taxes through Tax-Act – When she entered my name she put in my maiden name instead of my married name. I have had 2 last names since my maiden name was used filing taxes. My return was accepted by the IRS and I already received my refund. Do I have to notify them of the error or just file my return next year using the correct last name?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Jennifer. You can file it next time with the correct name. When there's a name mismatch, the record is flagged for manual review. When a human looks at it, they can often bridge the two names and allow the return to go through.

      Reply
  22. Kelcey

    Hi, I got married and haven't changed my name. I have filed my taxes already under my maiden name. I was wondering if I decided to go and change my name now before getting my refund, will it mess up my refund or delay it in any way…. Thanks

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Kelcey. When you change your name with the SSA they'll notify the IRS. It shouldn't negatively affect your refund as the two agencies work in concert with one another and understand that name changes are a frequent occurrence year round. Something to consider is if you change your name with your bank and your refund check is cut in your maiden name, will you have trouble depositing it? Most likely no, but something to think about and perhaps ask your bank about.

      Reply
  23. Sofia

    Hi,
    I got married in February of 2017. I also changed my name to my married name in March. I have already filed my taxes but I filed my taxes under my maiden name and single. All of my W2's and 1099 show my maiden name. Will there be an issue with my taxes?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Sofia. If there's a name mismatch, which it appears there will be, the return will be flagged for manual review. When a human looks at it they can probably tell the mismatch is due to a name change, so it may be allowed to go through. This isn't guaranteed. It's possible the return won't go through and you'll be asked to correct it.

      Reply
  24. Rowena Sta Cruz

    Hi, i got married in12/29/16 and had my name changed with SSA on 04/14/17. I have received my new SSN with my married name and the date i requested the change reflects in the card also (04/14/17)I believe IRS will automatically be updated but i am not sure how soon will their record be updated. However, my 2016 ITR was filed on 04/17/17 (3 days after name changed with SSA) and has my MAIDEN name still, as well as my W2 and 1099..will there be a problem on that? i will
    really appreciate your reply..Thank You.

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Rowena. If a name mismatch occurs, it can be manually reviewed instead of arbitrarily rejected. Manual reviews often catch these things, so if you're not alerted to a problem, there isn't a problem.

      Reply
  25. MC

    Hi..my daughter was married to an Englishman, in England, August of 2016. She filed her 2016 Federal tax return before the April deadline, in her married name. She had already changed over her DL, passport, etc., but forgot to change her name with Social Security. The IRS told her that her return was rejected because she hadn't changed her name with SS, so she went to the local office, completed the name change, and after about a week she received her new SS card in the mail. She then contacted the IRS to find out if they had received the update and to find out when her refund would be processed. She was told it wouldn't be processed until July, and now that it is July, she's called multiple times and each time she does, she gets a different response. Here's a sample of the responses: "It isn't showing it's been processed" "There isn't a hold on it, it just hasn't been done yet" I input your name change manually so it'll be processed" "It's still showing your maiden name" "I'm not seeing the name change with the social security administration". Any thoughts, please? Thank you

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi MC. Your daughter may want to go back to the local security office for assistance to determine if there was a problem with their alerting the IRS to the name change.

      Reply
  26. claudia

    I got married but haven't changed my names on anything.. Will that be a problem when i file for taxes?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Claudia. You'll be fine as long as you file your taxes in your legal name.

      Reply
  27. Kerry

    Hi, I married in 1990 and didn't legally change my name. However I did use my husband's surname on checking accounts, IRS docs etc. I divorced in 2009 and again didn't make any changes as I had a daughter and wanted to keep our names consistant. She is now grown and I would like to go back to legally using my maiden name as my surname. Since I never filled out any paperwork can I just start using it again, like how I just started using my married name? Thank you

    Reply
  28. Kendra Billow

    My W2 has my new married name but havent changed my name with the social security office how will that affect me filing my taxes. We both have kids frok different relationships he has sole custody of his daughter and i have sole custody of my son. We have been married 4 months how should we file.

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Kendra. You're going to have a name mismatch with your W2, which isn't good. After you get your name changed with SSA, the IRS will be notified and you should be good to go.

      Reply
  29. Ronnie

    My wife of 7 years uses her exes last name and filed taxes under that name now she wants to change her name to my last name can she do it without any penaltys

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      now she wants to change her name to my last name can she do it without any penaltys

      Yes, she can change her name without penalty.

      Reply
  30. Amber

    Hi
    I just got dissolved/divorced JAN 9, 2018 and requested to go to my maiden name.

    Would I still be filing as married but seperated?

    If I want to change my last name with SSA, can I do so in the next few weeks?

    if I plan on filing my taxes in february… will I file with my married or maiden name?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Would I still be filing as married but seperated?

      No.

      If I want to change my last name with SSA, can I do so in the next few weeks?

      Yes. You can make the change when you have an original or certified copy of your divorce decree in hand.

      if I plan on filing my taxes in february… will I file with my married or maiden name?

      You'd file with whatever name the SSA has on file.

      Reply
  31. simone n Sanders

    I have a question, so I was in school last year and on there it has my maiden name and not my married name on my FAFSA, will this make my refund prolonged because of different last names on my FAFSA and on my SSC due to me being married? Also I have a employer that I no longer work with that has my maiden name on my W-2 will this cause a problem as well?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      H Simone. You'll want to contact FAFSA, as the name on your FAFSA should match what's on your social security record. Same goes for your W-2. There's a name mismatch there to be corrected.

      Reply
  32. Margret gonzales

    If I didn't change my name and didn't want irs know I got married would that be possible even if I got married in a different state.

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Margret. If married, you can either file married filing separately or married filing jointly. Answering another way would be incorrect.

      Reply
  33. K Haynesworth

    I got married December 2017 and changed my name in January 2018, I have received a new SSC with my married name on it, but all of my tax documents have my maiden name, will there be an issue with filing? I haven't updated my new last name with my employer or school yet.

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi K. It's possible your tax filing may be delayed or rejected due to a name mismatch. The IRS may be able to resolve it internally without your input, but it's not guaranteed. You'll want to make sure your tax documents are in sync.

      Reply
  34. Alexys Connelly

    I filed taxes on January 15 with my maiden name. I got married in October, so I went on January 24 to change my name with SSA. My return is showing Accepted through IRS site. Could it be rejected even though my name was still legally my maiden name when I filed?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Could it be rejected even though my name was still legally my maiden name when I filed?

      No, it's already been accepted, so it's a done deal.

      Reply
  35. Deb

    Hello, I am an independent contract worker. I changed my last name with the SSA last week (January 2018). Do I need to contact my clients so that my 1099 reflects my new married name? Or can I submit my return with my maiden name since that was my legal name in 2017?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Deb. Your tax-related documents should be in your new name, as that's what the IRS will reference after being notified by the SSA.

      Reply
  36. April

    I got married January 24th 2018 I went to change my last name with SSA on 1/29/2018 they said it would be fine to file my taxes within 48 hours well I went to file them last 72 hours later and it rejected my new last name and would only accept my maiden name. IRS shows with maiden name it is accepted. Should I be ok?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi April. If it's been accepted, you should be good to go this time around.

      Reply
  37. Ellie

    Hi, so I got married last year… I just changed my last name from my maiden name to my married name in late January 2018, and I just got my w2 forms around the same time, and they have my maiden name on them… And since I no longer work for them and haven’t since November of 2017, I didn’t change my last name with them… I wasn’t even thinking of taxes when I changed it – if I had, I would have waited! What do I do? Which name do I file under?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Ellie. You'll want to file under your married name. You can contact your old employer and ask for them to send you a corrected W-2, which is referred to as a W-2C forms. If they're non-responsive or unwilling to assist, you can phone the IRS and they'll contact your employer on your behalf to request a W-2C be issued.

      Reply
  38. Andrew

    My wife and I got married last year. We haven't done anything with the SSA and and she hasn't changed her name yet. She submitted her federal tax return (haven't submitted mine yet) and we were filling separately. She got a notice that it was rejected for "R0000-503-02" saying her spouse's name and SSN (mine) didn't match their records. The info we put in is correct, so the only explanation is that their records still show her as unmarried, which is understandable since we haven't gone to the SSA yet. If their records still show us as single and unmarried, should we file that way? Because filing separately while married got rejected.

    Reply
    1. Andrew

      Nevermind! Upon reviewing it there was a single digit off on my SSN on her return!

      Reply
  39. Amber Moody

    I have changes my name at the social security office. My ss card has my new name on it. My state issued drivers license has my new married name on it. My everything says my new married name… 7 years now… my taxes get rejected everytime! They make me sign my maiden name. I go every year and ask them to fix it. They say there is nothing to fix. It's in the system rigjt. What can I do?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Amber. The IRS mirrors what the SSA has on file, so it appears their records may not be in sync. You can visit your nearest social security administration office and ask them to look into it.

      Reply
  40. Lydia Daniel

    Hi I got remarried in September but have not changed my last name thru SSA or my drivers licence so do I still file married and what about my last name? They probably don't even know I'm married. Can I just file as usual?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Lydia. You'd still file married. Your last name doesn't matter in this situation. You can either file married filing separately or married filing jointly.

      Reply
  41. Brittany

    Last year was mine and my husbands first year of being married and filing our taxes together. My last name was still my maiden name since i hadn't changed it yet. This year when we filed out last names matched and we were flagged by the irs and have been put on a 9 week delay. They say that it was because I changed my last name. It was changed thru the social security office. Is this normal?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      It was changed thru the social security office. Is this normal?

      Yes, as the IRS is notified of names changes by the SSA.

      Reply
  42. Brandon McKissick

    I got married feb. Of 2017 but my wife hasn't changed her last name we both filed married separate returns and she file married separate and qualified for HOH for filing my children that lives with us but we got red flagged for poof of marriage and poof of relationship to the children is this normal ?? Did we do anything wrong??

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Brandon. Whatever the reason for the flagging, it wouldn't be due to her not changing her name.

      Reply
  43. Helen Hutcheson

    Hello,I got married this past October 2017, but have not had the chance to get my name changed at the SSA. My workplace has already changed my name, so my health insurance and W2 have my married name. Will that mess up anything when I go to file my taxes?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Helen. It could result in a delay considering the name submitted to the IRS won't match what's in their records, nor the SSA's.

      Reply
  44. Ariel

    Hi, I got married in August, and have not changed my name with the SSA or on my ID. All of my student tax forms and w2s also say my maiden name. My only question is if my bank has my married last name on the account, will this cause any issues? I know that I am in a time crunch here, and by your previous replies, don't think I have time ffor everything to be changed and process before we need to file. What is the best thing to do? Thanks for the help!

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Ariel. The name on your bank account is separate from any SSA or taxes issues you're facing. One thing to be concerned about is if your bank may reject any incoming tax refund if the ACH name doesn't match the name on the account. You'll have to get in touch with your bank to determine that.

      Reply
  45. elle

    I've been married for several years now, and each year my return from my state comes with my my maiden name on it! I've changed my name with SSA, Driver License, Bank Acct, W2, anything I can think of but the state still returns with my maiden name. What can I do?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Elle. You can contact your state's tax office to update their records. They may require it be done in writing.

      Reply
  46. lili

    I think in screwed we was married in Nov and I was told only had to file together if was over 6 months ago and just now seeing all of this we didnt live together all last year and he file single head of household and idk what to do cause they've been reviewing it forever now and it was an honest mistake cause I was told diff and didn't double check !! my name wasn't changed or anything

    Reply
    1. lili

      please help idk what to do cause I don't want them taking his tax check cause I owe money and it wasn't his fault nor did we live together or anything !!! idk why it's taking so long if their auditing it or what !!?

      Reply
    2. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Lili. You may consider contacting the IRS directly to explain your situation. Not everything is absolute when it comes to the IRS. They do have abatement procedures in place that they can apply on a case-by-case basis.

      If you feel your situation is precarious, you may want to consult with an accountant or tax lawyer.

      Reply
  47. Jho

    Hi ive been married 3 years ago without my husband here in USA but never been change my husband last name in my id,sscard,in my work,w2,in my bank,etc.but i have a,son who is my dependent.and now my husband is here got a job and hes working..is it will be affect when we file income tax??..what should we do?..can we file both without using my husband lastname??..can wr still get refund??

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Jho. Your name change, or lack thereof, won't affect your filing. You'll want to make sure you file using your current legal name.

      Reply
      1. Jho

        You mean legal name ??my last name?? Or my husband last name?

        Reply
        1. Tyrone Jones

          Hi Jho. I was referring to your last name, not your husband's.

          Reply
  48. Cristie

    Hi,
    I am living in Australia and updating my surname with SSA. How long should I wait to file my tax return to give SSA enough time to process the change and prevent name mismatch? My closest SSA Benefits unit is in the Philippines so I am mailing my documents there. Also, does updating to SSA also update to FinCen (for filing FBARs)?

    Thanks so much for your help.

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      I am living in Australia and updating my surname with SSA. How long should I wait to file my tax return to give SSA enough time to process the change and prevent name mismatch?

      You won't know for sure if your name is changed until you get your new card or get in touch with the SSA to receive confirmation of the change. Processing time, once your application is received, is typically one to two weeks.

      My closest SSA Benefits unit is in the Philippines so I am mailing my documents there.

      Also, does updating to SSA also update to FinCen (for filing FBARs)?

      No.

      Reply
  49. Alms Baasha

    Hi, I’m getting married this December 18th and I decided to do some research and I came upon this. We are looking forward to our tax return as a married couple to help us move into our own place. Im just finding out about the whole tax return process thanks to this blog. But, I’m still confused on some parts. So, do I need to change my last name right away in order to file as married? & if the answer is yes, does that mean I need to contact my employers to change my last name on my W-2 forms before I file with my married last name ?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      So, do I need to change my last name right away in order to file as married?

      No, your name change (or non-change) doesn't affect your ability to file as married.

      if the answer is yes, does that mean I need to contact my employers to change my last name on my W-2 forms before I file with my married last name ?

      Yes, you'll want the W-2s to match the name you'll be filing with.

      Reply
  50. Levi

    Hey I got a question my wife and I have been married for almost 9 years we never changed her last name on ss card. We went ahead and did it this nov 2018 we also completed the irs form 8822 for address/ name change we completed it and got confused where it asked for the signature it states that if your last return was a joint return your spouse must sign we did a joint return last time and we had to use her maiden name beins we never changed her last name on ss card. We signed the 8822 with her new married name will irs accept the 8822

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      We signed the 8822 with her new married name will irs accept the 8822

      Yes, you're fine.

      Reply
  51. Ana Gonzalez

    I have always filed head of household with my two children. However, I am planning on taking my husbands last name, for school purposes and for the kids. Can I still file head of household with married last name?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Can I still file head of household with married last name?

      Yes, your filing wouldn't change because you changed your name.

      Reply
  52. Brittney LaBelle

    I got married jan 29th 2019 and just got my w2 that has ny maiden name on it. I have not changed my name on my ss card yet. Can i still file under my maiden name then change to my married name later? Also do i file as married since i was married after the 2018 tax cut iff or do i file single since i was single in 2018?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Can i still file under my maiden name then change to my married name later?

      Yes.

      Also do i file as married since i was married after the 2018 tax cut iff or do i file single since i was single in 2018?

      You'd choose married filing jointly or married filing separately.

      Reply
  53. Celeste Herrin

    I changed my name at the Social Security office like I was supposed to after a new marriage and received a new social security card with the correct name and the IRS still puts the refund check in my previous married name! We file with my current last name, but they issue the refund check in my husband's name and my first name with my last married name.

    I can't seem to get anyone to change this and it's a huge hassle to deposit the check every year. Our credit union never wants to accept it because of the different last name…. which I have not even had legally for the past 8 years because I went back to my maiden name before getting married again. Any suggestions?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Celeste. You may want to visit your local IRS office. Bring your marriage certificate, social security card, and tax documents with you.

      If you prefer not to go in person, you can write a letter first, but speaking to someone directly may be more expedient.

      Reply
  54. ellen

    have not changed my last name but when I file for my social security they asked me was I married and I said yes for 7 years. can I file jointly if I did not changed my last name.
    thanks: estelle

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      can I file jointly if I did not changed my last name.

      Yes, you can file jointly. Changing or not changing your name doesn't affect your filing status.

      Reply
  55. Kay

    Hi, I got married in 2014 and changed my name with ss immediately. I have been filing my taxes in my previous marriage last name for the past 4 years. My 1099 have both names on it. I want to file taxes this year using my legal last name. Will this be ok with IRS?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      I want to file taxes this year using my legal last name. Will this be ok with IRS?

      Yes, it's fine.

      Reply
  56. Brithany

    If I filed married but I never changed my maiden name will it cause me problems with my taxes?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Brithany. There won't be a problem as long as you file in your current legal name.

      Reply
  57. Lilly

    my husband and i got married April- We have had our issues and are currently separated ( I plan on filing for divorce this year, hopefully soon). He is going to file single HOH with our daughter (as he did before) .Will That affect me? We didnt change name or anything so I am not sure what to do

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Lilly. Whether or not you changed your name doesn't affect filing. Head of household filing can be applicable if legally separated. It may affect you if you're both taking advantage of tax benefits associated with your daughter. You'll have to get in touch with an accountant for further details.

      Reply
  58. Nicole Duprey

    Hi there,
    I got divorced in 2018 and changed my name back to my maiden name. I changed it with SSA as well. However, I changed jobs and one W-2 is under my maiden and one is under my former married name. My bank forms as well as mortgage forms are also under my married name. Will I need to get all of these amended. I'm afraid it will take months to deal with the State (my employer), and all of the banks. How likely is it to get pushed through with the mismatch?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      I changed jobs and one W-2 is under my maiden and one is under my former married name.

      You can cross off the maiden name on the old W-2 and write in your maiden name. You could also attach a supplemental letter explaining your situation.

      My bank forms as well as mortgage forms are also under my married name.

      You'll have to contact them regarding the necessity of updating your name on file.

      Reply
  59. Brittany

    Hi!

    I got married in November 2018. I have not changed my name with the Social security yet. I filed taxes under my maiden name, am I able to change my name now? My refund has been accepted but not yet approved. I wanted to wait until after we filed to change it so there wasn’t any mistakes or delays, just curious how long i should wait, Thanks!

    Reply
  60. baseemah

    Hi I've been married almost 12 years. I just recently went to the DMV to hyphenate my last name in December. I e-filed my tax return on 1/30/19. The SSA sent me a letter after I filed. I went to change/hyphenate my name on my ssc, but my taxes were already filed. Will I have a problem with my return. The status on my return is not changing? My w-2s have my maiden name only, no hyphen.

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi baseemah. It's doubtful you'll face a problem with your return as your names matched at the time of filing.

      Reply
  61. Bonni Stiner

    I got married 122117 but never changed it on my dl. But I did change my name with ssa. Should I be worried.

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Bonni. Some states require your driver's license be updated when you change your name, but the consequence for not doing so varies between nonexistent and a miniscule fine upon renewal. If you don't change your name on your license now, you'll have to when it comes time to renew.

      Reply
  62. Chrystal

    I didn’t file my 2017 taxes and was married … durning 2018 I got my divorce and my last name went back to my maiden name … my ssn card has been changed to my maiden name along with everything else but what do I put on my tax papers for 2017 ?? Married name or maiden name ???

    Reply
  63. Chloe

    Hi. I got divorced February 2018 and I immediately changed my name in SSA, DL, work, banks, etc. My W-2’s are all in my maiden name now. I filed my taxes two weeks ago and has not received any updates yet. I called IRS before I e-filed my taxes if I am going to have an issue and they said once I file my taxes, they should be able to verify that my name has changed with SS. Is there a reason why it is taking longer than anticipated? Appreciate your response.

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Is there a reason why it is taking longer than anticipated?

      Name mismatches can often be dealt with through manual reviews. You'd have to phone them to determine if there's a problem processing your application as-is.

      Reply
  64. Tamika

    I got married in march of 2018 and me and husband file jointly,plus my last name is change as well.Will that slow down the process of my refund?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Will that slow down the process of my refund?

      It won't make a difference.

      Reply
  65. China

    I got married last year but i havent gotten around to changing my name. All of my documents are still under my maiden name. My question is, should I file my taxes under my maiden name and wait until after my tax return to change it, or should I go to the SSA to finally change it before I file and then file under my new name? I want to avoid any kind of delay or issue. Thank you!

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      should I file my taxes under my maiden name and wait until after my tax return to change it, or should I go to the SSA to finally change it before I file and then file under my new name?

      Waiting to change your name until after your taxes are done is the path of least resistance.

      Reply
  66. alexis

    My husband and I got married April 2018. I changed my name with every facet of government and did what I was supposed to do and have been using my new last name since then.

    I filed my taxes under my new name, waited 3 weeks and finally called because my refund wasn't here yet. They told me that they had to authenticate my married name even though SS already sent me a new card with my new name!!!!

    I had plans to go on a non-refundable cruise with my sister for her bachelorette party and now I cannot go because they said that they will have to issue me a letter stating what the authentication is and that it will take an additional 9 weeks to get my refund!!

    I work for USPS and it's a shame that the IRS doesn't have my correct name! What can I do and what options do I have? I did everything I was supposed to and still getting screwed!!

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Alexis. When you update your name on your social security card, the IRS is automatically notified. There's nothing much beyond that for you to do. You may want to consider visiting a local SSA office and interfacing with an actual agent.

      Reply
  67. Angela

    I need to file my 2017 taxes but in 2017 I had a different last name and was married to someone else. If I file my 2017 taxes now (in 2019) do I need to change my last name and spouse info since I no longer have the same last name and married to someone different?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Angela. You'd file with your current name. They maintain a record of prior names for reference.

      Reply
  68. Jackie Roberts

    When I got divorced 6 months ago I did not want to change back to my maiden name at that time can I change back to it now

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Jackie. You wouldn't be able to do it if your final divorce doesn't say that you can. You can try contacting the court/judge to get it amended.

      Reply
  69. Madison

    I got married may 2018, I changed my name January 2019. I am filing my 2018 taxes, do I use my maiden name since I changed it in 2019 or use my married name ?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Madison. If you've changed your name with the Social Security Administration, they would have automatically alerted the IRS of your name change. In that case you'd file in your maiden name.

      Reply
  70. Ashley Crawford

    I got married in June, changed my name with the SSA. But never changed my name at work will my w-2 still have my maiden name on it and will I have issues filing

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Ashley. It could cause a delay. You're gonna want to get your W-2 updated.

      Reply
  71. Bree James

    I filed my taxes January 27. They wee accepted same day. On January 29th changed my name to my married name. Should i call the irs to update them or anything

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Bree. You're fine, as they were already accepted. When the SSA processes your name change, they'll notify the IRS on your behalf.

      Reply
  72. Tee Cannon

    I got married june 2019 changed my last name August 2019 . Filled my taxes under my married name 1/29/2020 and they STILL are holding it due to “review” for my last name change. So changing it in time didn’t help me any . Why is this ?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Tee. Did you change your name with the SSA before filing your taxes?

      Reply
        1. Tyrone Jones

          Hi Tee. This normally shouldn't be a problem then. When you change your name with SSA, they notify the IRS on your behalf. This is common. Did they provide details of what is under review? Could any reported W-2s refer to your old name?

          Reply
          1. Tee Cannon

            No the only info that they provided was that it was under a quality assurance review due to my last name change . Nothing else . And all 3 of my total Ws had the proper last name . It has now been 2 weeks since I filed and I have received no letter I only know this because I called and this was all they said to me about the review .

  73. Renee

    Married 2005 changed name to his. divorced 11 months later in 06. I took my maiden name back in the divorce. Changed my name with DMV and changed my name with social security. Both my ID and SS card reflect my maiden name.

    Taxes are filed for 2019 year under my maiden name. I call to check on them. They are holding my returns because they have me with my married name still. I have an appointment to show my legal name next week. But why would they still have my married name

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Renee. Could an employer still be reporting your prior name in filings? That could trip things up.

      When you update your SS card, they alert the IRS. This typically isn't a problem, but it's not guaranteed in every instance. The situation you described appears to be in the minority of cases. Hopefully it will be resolved with expediency as this is not the norm.

      Reply
  74. Cherie Rattray Wallace

    I still have my maiden name on my ss card, but all my other info is in my married name. Can i put my maiden name and my married name on my return? The problem i have is if they mail me a check. I cannot cash it.

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Cherie. The IRS will use the name that's on your social security record. As for cashing a check in your maiden name, that should be workable with your bank as long as you can provide documentation showing your prior name along with a copy of your marriage certificate.

      Reply
  75. Sadeep Gurung

    Hi, I have a question? I already file a tax return at the first week of February 2021 with my old name. Because of married then I changed my first name and last name. Which was in March 1st week 2021 at social security office. Now I had new social card with new name. So I’m wondering do I get my refund or not? At this time IRS is not accepted in person visit and phone calls are busy at all. So can I have an idea about it. How I contact if needed?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      So I’m wondering do I get my refund or not?

      Yes, the Social Security Administration would have notified the IRS of your name change on your behalf.

      How I contact if needed?

      By mail or telephone. The best time to call the IRS is first thing in the morning, when their phone lines open at 7am EST.

      Reply
      1. Sadeep Gurung

        Will it can be a issue of name mismatch to IRS because I file with my old name. Or could be delay to get refund?

        Reply
        1. Tyrone Jones

          Hi Sadeep. It's unlikely you'll face any problems or delays. The IRS should perform a seamless transition when notified by the SSA of your name change. You shouldn't have to do anything.

          Reply
  76. Pris

    Hi! I got married February 7th, 2021 and now I need to file taxes , my SS shows my married name but my w-2 has my maiden name since at that time I was single. Is it ok to send my w-2 with my maiden name ?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Pris. You could cross out your maiden name and write in your married name on the W-2. If you'd rather not mark your W-2, you can attach a note explaining your name change.

      Reply
  77. brooke

    hi there, i recently married and added my husband’s last name to mine. (firstname maidenlast hislast). social security has been notified. my workplace uses only the second of the two last names, which is his last. is it legal to use only one of the two surnames?

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Brooke. When your workplace reports your information to the IRS, they must use the name that matches what's on file with the Social Security Administration. As long as they're doing that, it's fine for them to informally use only the second surname.

      Reply
  78. Hope R Tomlinson

    All last year I was single. Just got married in Jan this year. Can I file in old name? Single? I have changed my name.

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Hi Hope. File using the name that's on your current social security record. If you've changed your name on your social security card, file your taxes in that changed name. Otherwise, file in your single name.

      Reply
  79. Kristina

    I have been filing for years as single head of household. I got married but we seperated the next day. I never changed my last name. Can I get in trouble? Someone told me I have been doing it wrong all of these years. Please help what do I do

    Reply
  80. Linda Stewart-Alvis

    I am on Medicare and I have remarried. Can my husband claim me on tax return. I have no other income so I won’t be filing a separate return. Thank you for your response.

    Reply
    1. Tyrone Jones

      Can my husband claim me on tax return. I have no other income so I won’t be filing a separate return.

      Yes, your husband can claim you by filing "married filing jointly."

      Reply

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *