Just Married or Divorced, Get Your Filing Name Right

Just Married or Divorced, Get Your Filing Name Right

According to the IRS, if you were just married in 2009 or you just got divorced, there are some things to consider to make sure your tax return has the correct name and will be processed. Entering the right taxpayer name is vital to getting your refund quickly.

If there was a last name change of either spouse because of a marriage, make sure to contact the Social Security Administration. If the SSA doesn’t have record of your new name, the tax return can not be matched to your Social … Read the rest

Just Married or Divorced, Get Your Filing Name Right

According to the IRS, if you were just married in 2009 or you just got divorced, there are some things to consider to make sure your tax return has the correct name and will be processed. Entering the right taxpayer name is vital to getting your refund quickly.

If there was a last name change of either spouse because of a marriage, make sure to contact the Social Security Administration. If the SSA doesn’t have record of your new name, the tax return can not be matched to your Social Security Number. Likewise, if you changed your name after a divorce, you need to notify the SSA.

The SSA has a form you will need to complete called form SS-5. Changing your name with this government agency is fairly simple. You can also get a copy online, at a local SSA office or by calling them at 1-800-772-1213.

Adopting a child that doesn’t have a Social Security Number is the final issue that might delay your return. You need to apply for a SSN for the child or get an Adopted Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN).