Frequently Asked Questions - Keyword: Maiden/Married Name

IRS Resources

Frequently Asked Tax Questions And Answers

Keyword: Maiden/Married Name

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. To change the name shown on your card, you need to complete SSA Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card. You can also obtain Form SS-5 by calling SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local SSA office. Note: Form SS-5 is filed with SSA.

References:

Social Security Administration
SSA Form SS-5 Application for a Social Security Card

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.

References:

Social Security Administration

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. To change the name shown on your card, you need to complete SSA Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card. You can also obtain Form SS-5 by calling SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local SSA office. Note: Form SS-5 is filed with SSA.

References:

Social Security Administration
SSA Form SS-5 Application for a Social Security Card

Do I contact you or Social Security Administration to check on my name change?

You should contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213.

References:

Social Security Administration

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 a name 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 you received from your employer. Use your married name (already provided to Social Security Administration) on your tax return.

Tell your employer about your name change so that your next Form W-2 reflects your married name.

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 (SSA) 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.

To change the name shown on your social security card, you need to complete Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card. You can obtain Form SS-5 by calling SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local SSA office. Note: Form SS-5 is filed with SSA.

The Social Security Administration will issue you a new security card reflecting your married name and automatically send an update to us.

References: