The information in this article is up to date for tax year 2025 (returns filed in 2026).
If you were married or divorced and changed your name last year, be sure to notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) before you file your taxes with the IRS. If the name on your tax return doesn’t match SSA records, the IRS will flag it as an error, and that may delay your refund.
Additionally, it is crucial to update your identity documents, particularly your driver’s license, to avoid issues with tax filing.
Understanding the Impact of a Name Change
Changing your name can have a significant impact on various aspects of your life, including your taxes, identification, and government records. Whether your name change is due to marriage, divorce, a court order, or another reason, it’s essential to understand the implications and take the necessary steps to update your information. A name change affects not only your personal identification documents but also your tax records and other official documents. By promptly notifying the relevant government agencies and updating your identification documents, you can avoid potential issues and ensure that all your records are accurate and up to date.
When You Need to Update Your Name
- If you have married and you’re using your new spouse’s last name, or you’ve hyphenated your last name.
- If you were divorced and are now using your former last name.
- If you adopted your new spouse’s children and their names changed.
Basically, any time you or a dependent has a legal name change, you will need to update the SSA for your tax records.
How to Change Your Name
If you and/or a dependent’s name has changed, notify the SSA as soon as possible. The SSA will issue you a new social security card. That way, the IRS can match your new name with your SSN.
To avoid issues when filing your tax return, whether through e-file or mail, it’s crucial that the name on your tax return matches the name registered with the SSA.
To change your name, file Form SS-5. You can also get Form SS-5 on the SSA’s website at www.ssa.gov, by calling 800-772-1213, or at local SSA offices. Your new card will have the same number as your former card but will show your new name.
You will need to mail your application or deliver it to your nearest SSA office.
What you will need:
- Proof of identity (e.g., valid driver’s license)
- Proof of citizenship status (e.g., birth certificate)
- Proof of legal name change (e.g., marriage license, divorce decree, or court order)
The SSA will notify the IRS of the name change for you.
Notifying Government Agencies of Your Name Change
When you change your name, it’s crucial to notify various government agencies to update your records. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is one of the primary agencies you need to inform. You can apply for a new Social Security card with your updated name by providing proof of your identity and citizenship. Additionally, you should notify the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to update your tax records and avoid any delays or issues with your tax return.
Other government agencies you may need to notify include:
- Your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to update your driver’s license or state ID.
- The U.S. Department of State to update your passport.
- Your state’s vital records office to update your birth certificate.
- Your employer and HR department to update your employment records.
By ensuring all these agencies have your updated information, you can prevent discrepancies and ensure a smooth transition to your new name.
If You’re Newly Married but Haven’t Changed Your Name Yet
Even if you are socially going by your new married name, but you haven’t legally changed your name after the wedding, you still need to file your taxes using the name on your social security card. You and your spouse can still file jointly–your last names don’t have to match. But both of your names should match your respective names attached to your SSNs. If you keep your maiden name when you marry, you do not have to notify the SSA or IRS.
Obtaining a marriage certificate is a crucial step following the application for a marriage license and the subsequent marriage ceremony. It is important for legal documentation, especially if you plan to reflect a new name.
Read more: Tax Advice for Newly Married Couples
If You Adopted Your New Spouse’s Children
If you adopted your new spouse’s children and their names changed, you’ll need to update their names with SSA too. For adopted children without SSNs, parents can apply for an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number by filing Form W-7A, Application for Taxpayer Identification Number for Pending U.S. Adoptions, with the IRS. The ATIN is a temporary number used in place of an SSN on the tax return.
Form W-7A is available on the IRS.gov website or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
How Long to Wait to File Your Taxes After a Name Change
You should receive your new social security card within two weeks of the SSA receiving your application. It is best to wait another 1-2 weeks after your card arrives before filing taxes to ensure all records have been updated in time.
Depending on when you change your name, you may not have enough time to change your name with the SSA before the tax filing deadline. We recommend calling your local SSA office to check on processing times to ensure you have enough time to file. If you don’t have time to update your records before tax day, file under the name listed on your social security card. You can finalize your name change with the Social Security Administration and other agencies after that.
Filing taxes post-name change? ezTaxReturn makes it easy!
Make Sure Your IRS Forms Are Also Updated
After you change your name with the SSA, notify your employer (or clients, if you are self-employed), to ensure your IRS Form W-2 or Form 1099s correctly reflect your new name. If your employer has already issued a W-2 with your former name, you will need to contact them to issue you a corrected form.
Resolving Name Discrepancies
If you’ve changed your name, you may encounter discrepancies between your identification documents and government records. To resolve these issues, you’ll need to provide proof of your name change, such as a marriage license, divorce decree, or court order. Updating your Social Security card, driver’s license, and other identification documents to reflect your new name is essential to avoid any complications.
If you’re experiencing issues with your tax return due to a name discrepancy, you can contact the IRS to resolve the issue. You may need to provide documentation to support your name change, such as a copy of your marriage license or court order. Addressing these discrepancies promptly will help ensure that your tax return is processed without delays.
If You Recently Divorced
Just like after getting married, if you change your name after a divorce, you will need to update that info with the SSA and file your taxes under your new name. File your taxes easily with ezTaxReturn – even after a name change!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to update my name with the Social Security Administration before filing taxes?
Yes. The IRS verifies your name and Social Security number through the SSA. If they don’t match, your tax return may be delayed or rejected.
Can I file my taxes with my old name after getting married or divorced?
You can file with your old name only if you haven’t updated it with the SSA yet. Once the SSA updates your record, you must use your new legal name on your tax return.
What happens if my tax return name doesn’t match my Social Security record?
A name mismatch can cause processing delays, rejected returns, or delayed refunds. Updating your name with the SSA before filing helps avoid issues.
How long does it take for the SSA to update my name?
It typically takes about two weeks for the SSA to process a name change and update its records. Plan ahead so your tax return isn’t held up.
Do I need to update my name with my employer before tax season?
Yes. Your W‑2 must reflect the name the SSA has on file. If your employer uses the wrong name, request a corrected W‑2 (Form W‑2c).
Can I still get my tax refund if I recently changed my name?
Absolutely. As long as your name and Social Security number match SSA records, your refund will process normally.
What documents do I need to change my name with the SSA?
You’ll need proof of identity and legal name change documents, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Does a name change affect my tax credits or deductions?
No. Your eligibility for credits and deductions stays the same. Only your identifying information needs to be updated.
What if I already filed my taxes and realized my name is wrong?
If the IRS accepts your return, no action is needed. If it’s rejected due to a mismatch, update your name with the SSA and then resubmit your return.
Do I need to notify the IRS directly about my name change?
No. The IRS automatically receives updated information from the SSA. Your job is to make sure the SSA has your correct legal name.
The articles and content published on this blog are provided for informational purposes only. The information presented is not intended to be, and should not be taken as, legal, financial, or professional advice. Readers are advised to seek appropriate professional guidance and conduct their own due diligence before making any decisions based on the information provided.
