Taxpayers Should Report Name Changes Before Filing Taxes

When a taxpayer changes their name, that change can affect their taxes. All the names on a taxpayer’s tax return must match Social Security Administration records. A name mismatch can delay a tax refund. Here’s what a taxpayer should do if anyone listed on their tax return changed their name:

• Reporting Taxpayer’s Name Change. Taxpayers who should notify the SSA of a name change include:
  • Taxpayers who got married and use their spouse’s last name.
  • Recently married taxpayers who now use a hyphenated name.
  • Divorced taxpayers who now use their former last name.
• Reporting Dependent’s Name Change. Taxpayers should notify the SSA if a dependent’s name changed.  This includes an adopted child who now has a new last name. If the child doesn’t have a Social Security number, the taxpayer may use a temporary Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number on the tax return. Taxpayers can apply for an ATIN by filing a Form W-7A.
• Getting a New Social Security Card. Taxpayers who have a name change should get a new card that reflects a name change. File Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card. Taxpayers can get the form on SSA.gov or by calling 800-772-1213.