Name Change and Taxes?

[AKL_Megs]

I got married this past June. I didn't change my name right away. First I was going to do it after our honeymoon, then I was going to do it after we bought our house, then I was going to do it after the holidays...

I have decided that I am doing it this Friday, or it will never get done!

Now I am wondering about my taxes...

We haven't yet filed, but my W-2 is obviously for "OLD AKL_Megs"... but by the time we file, everything will be changed to "NEW AKL_Megs".

Does it matter? (Please don't tell me I have to wait until I get my taxes back now. Well, TELL ME... but please don't! )

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Use the name that you have on the date you submit your taxes.

So if you are submitting this weekend, but have not changed your name. Ise the old name.

Your taxes are tied to SSN and I *thought* that there might be a space to list alternate names, but I do not remember exactly.

Just b/c your name is different should not matter much.


ETA: found this which was a cited IRS tip from another site (not IRS) and it does matter--in relation to how the SSA knows you:

Per IRS website www.irs.gov for Federal Tax Returns:

Tips for Recently Married or Divorced Taxpayers

IRS TAX TIP 2008-17

Newlyweds and the recently divorced should ensure the name on their tax return matches the name registered with the Social Security Administration (SSA). A mismatch could unexpectedly delay a tax refund.For recently married taxpayers, the tax scenario begins when the bride says "I do." If she takes her husband's last name, but doesn't tell the SSA about the name change, a complication may result. If the couple files a joint tax return with her new name, the IRS computers will not be able to match the new name with the Social Security Number (SSN).
After a divorce, a woman who had taken her husband’s name and made that change known to the SSA should contact the SSA if she reassumes a previous name.
It's easy to inform the SSA of a name change by filing Form SS-5 at a local SSA office. It usually takes two weeks to have the change verified. The form is available on the agency's Web site, www.socialsecurity.gov, by calling 800-772-1213 and at local offices. The SSA Web site provides the addresses of local offices.

Generally, taxpayers must provide SSNs for each dependent claimed on the tax return. For adopted children without SSNs, the parents can apply for an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number, or ATIN, by filing Form W-7A with the IRS. The ATIN is a temporary number used in place of the SSN on the tax return. The form is available on the IRS Web site, IRS.gov, or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

Remember that for the genuine IRS Web site be sure to use .gov. Don't be confused by internet sites that end in .com, .net, .org or other designations instead of .gov. The address of the official IRS governmental Web site is www.irs.gov

 

[hulagirl87]

I've been married for almost 3 years and have still yet to change my name with Social Security. (yeah, I'm a slacker) I just let my tax person know that so they file under my maiden name.