2003 Tax Help Archives  

Keyword: Name Changes/Corrections

This is archived information that pertains only to the 2003 Tax Year. If you
are looking for information for the current tax year, go to the Tax Prep Help Area.


1.10 IRS Procedures: Name Changes & Social Security Number Matching Issues


How do I change my maiden name to my married name for tax purposes?

In order to change your name, you must contact the Social Security Administration. They will issue a new social security card reflecting your new name and automatically send us your new name. The telephone number for the Social Security Administration is (800) 772-1213.

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If I go to the Social Security Administration office to change my name, how long does it take the IRS to update its records?

IRS records are generally updated 10 days after the records at the Social Security Administration are changed.

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How can I correct the spelling of my name with IRS?

The name on the refund check is spelled the way it appears on your tax return. If the address label you receive is spelled wrong, do not use the label. Instead, print the information on the tax return. You can also call (800) 829-1040 and we can change the spelling of your name over the phone.

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I recently got married/divorced. How do I report my change of name?

You need to contact the Social Security Administration. They will issue you a new social security card reflecting your married name and automatically send an update to us. You can contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213.

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Do I contact you or social security to check on my name change?

You should contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213 and they can instruct you via telephone what you will need to bring to their office in order to change your card to match your name.

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Do I need to change my maiden name to my married name on my social security card for us to file jointly?

You can still file Married Filing Jointly without changing your name with the Social Security Administration. However, you do need to show your maiden name on the tax return instead of your married name.

I got married last year. I have filed with the Social Security Administration for name and address change, but my Form W-2 still has my maiden name. Can I send it in as it is with our joint return or do I need to get a new W-2?

You can use the Form W-2 (PDF) you received from your employer. If the W-2 has your maiden name, all you have to do is cross it out and write in your married name. The last name on the tax return is verified through the Social Security Administration. Make sure that the name matches the name listed with the Social Security Administration. Tell your employer about the name and address change so that your current Form W-2 reflects the correct information.

I got married and I have not changed the name on my social security card to my married name. My Form W-2 is in my married name but my tax forms came in my maiden name. Should I file with my maiden name or married name?

It is important that the name the Social Security Administration has in its system for your social security number agrees with the name on your tax return. You have a choice. You can file with your maiden name and contact the Social Security Administration after you file your return. Or, if you have enough time before the due date of your return, you can contact the Social Security Administration and have your records changed. Please wait 10 days to file your tax return. You can contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213.

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14.1 Electronic Filing (e-file) and TeleFile: Age/Name/SSN Rejects, Errors, Correction Procedures


We tried to file electronically and the tax return was rejected because my wife's name did not match her social security number. What should we do?

If the name on her social security card differs from what was provided on the tax return, the electronic transmission will be rejected. This means the return has not been filed. You need to either use the name exactly as shown on her social security card or change her card at the Social Security Administration and allow two weeks before resubmitting your return electronically.

You can contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security Administration office and follow their procedures to correct your records.

For general information about e-file, refer to Tax Topic 252, Electronic Filing.

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How long after I change my name with social security will I be able to file my tax return electronically?

Generally, two weeks after you change your name with the Social Security Administration, the IRS should have the information and you should be able to file electronically. If you do not have two weeks to wait before the due date for filing your return timely, you will need to file a paper return. For general information about e-file, refer to Tax Topic 252, Electronic Filing.

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14.3 Electronic Filing (e-file) and TeleFile: Due Dates & Extension Dates for e-file


I'm in the process of getting a name and social security number mismatch error corrected with the Social Security Administration. In the meantime, what can I do to avoid a penalty notice for not filing my tax return on time?

If there is not enough time before the due date to get the IRS records updated from the Social Security Administration, you will need to file a paper return by mail. For general information about e-file, refer to Tax Topic 252, Electronic Filing.

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