A name change affects a tax return

March 6, 2019

When you legally change your name, there are tax consequences. The IRS wants people experiencing a name change to remember these important things:

• Notify the Social Security Administration of a name change ASAP.
   
• If a name on your tax return doesn’t match SSA records, it can delay the IRS processing of your return.
   
• If a newly-adopted child has a Social Security number, inform the SSA of their name change. If they don’t have a Social Security number, use an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number. Apply for an ATIN by filing Form W-7A, and file this form with the IRS.
   
• After a name change, file Form SS-5 PDF. The form is available on SSA.gov or by calling 800-772-1213.