Tracy’s Tax Tips #6: Just Married or Divorced? Make Sure Your Name Is Right

A new name can cause a new problem on your taxes.

I’m Tracy Byrnes with the FOX Business Network, here with another of Tracy’s Tax Tips:

Well, if you changed your name after a recent marriage or divorce, make sure the name on your tax return matches the name registered with the Social Security Administration.  A mismatch between the name on your return and the SSA can cause problems in the processing of your return, may even delay your refund.  So if you took your spouse’s last name, or if you hyphenated your last names, you may run into complications if you don’t notify the Social Security Administration.

So inform them of your name change.  Simply file a Form SS-5, which you can find at socialsecurity.gov.  You will receive a new Social Security card – same number, but with your new name.  And if you adopted your spouse’s children after getting married and their names changed, be sure to update their names with the SSA, as well.  If you’re recently divorced and changed back to your previous last name, you’ll again need to notify the SSA.

I’m Tracy Byrnes, FOX News Radio.