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Family Tax Topics

How Changing Your Name Affects Your Taxes

Have you changed your name recently? Whether because of marriage, divorce, or simply preference, if you change your name, you need to notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) to update your Social Security Number (SSN), update your government-issued identification(s), and your employer records before filing your taxes. This will ensure your tax return isn’t delayed when you file.

Does a name change affect my taxes? 

Yes, your identification information must match your W-2 information, and these must match the SSA information. If for any reason this information doesn’t all match, processing of your tax return may be delayed while you update your information. 

How do I report a name change? 

Legally changing your name entails notifying the Social Security Administration (SSA), so they can change your name on your Social Security card. To do this, you must provide proof of your legal name change – this could be a marriage license or a decree of divorce. 

It is important that the name the SSA has for your Social Security number agrees with the name on your tax return. When you file your tax return (either e-file or mail), it will be rejected if the name in the SSA's records differs from the name on your tax return. 

What if I have a different name on my W2 and Social Security Card? 

When you’re gathering up documentation in preparation for filing your taxes, if your W-2 or 1099 has a different name from your identification, notify your employer, bank, and other payers of your new name.

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