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

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 the IRS updated information. The telephone number for the Social Security Administration is (800) 772-1213.

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.

Do I need to change my maiden name to my married name on my Social Security card?

No. You can still file jointly or separately without changing your name with the Social Security Administration. However, you MUST use your maiden name on ALL tax filings with the IRS instead of your married name. Your married name will not be recognized for tax purposes since your Social Security card has not been changed.

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 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 correct information can be reported in the future.