You can change your name by mail or go to your local Social Security office. You do not have to report your name change directly to the IRS. If you make a mistake on your income tax return, you can submit an amended tax return to correct most mistakes after the due date for filing.
Filing Taxes and Name Changes
You can elect “married filing jointly” filing status without changing your name with the Social Security Administration. The tax form provides separate lines for each spouse’s name and Social Security number. Ensure you file using the name that the SSA has on file for you.
Tax Filing Considerations
Once you do your name change with Social Security, the IRS will have a record of it, enabling you to file under your new name. It is advisable to wait at least ten days after the SSA changes your records before filing your tax return to ensure smooth processing.
Additional Information
For married or divorced taxpayers with name changes, notifying the SSA of the change immediately is crucial. This helps in ensuring tax protection, as the IRS cross-references names and SSNs between tax returns and SSA records for accuracy.
Relevant Dates
The IRS has announced that the 2023 tax season will begin on January 23, with an expected 168 million individual tax returns to be filed before the tax due date.
IRS Reporting Guidelines
Taxpayers should notify the SSA of name changes for themselves and dependents to avoid mismatches that could cause delays in tax refunds. This includes changes due to marriage, divorce, or adoption.
Reporting Name Changes
Notify the SSA promptly if you experienced a name change due to marriage, divorce, or adoption. Make sure all names on your tax return match SSA records to prevent refund delays.