Do you know your name? Has your name changed recently?
Don’t be too quick to answer.
Many people try to file tax returns using the wrong name. This happens frequently in cases of marriage or divorce when a name has been recently changed. If you try to electronically file your return with the wrong name your return is likely to be rejected by the IRS, thereby delaying your refund until your return can be resubmitted. If you file a paper return by mail the delay from using the wrong name most probably will be much longer.
Although you may be legally married or divorced your name doesn’t change unless you submit the proper documents to the Social Security Administration. For tax filing purposes your name is the name printed on the most recent social security card issued to you. So if your name has changed (or you would like it to be changed) you should contact the Social Security Administration so that you will be ready to file your tax return this tax season.
If you can’t wait until your social security card can be reissued simply file your return with your name as it is currently listed on your social security card. The last name may not match the name of your spouse but at least your tax return will be finished and you can get your hands on that tax refund much sooner so you can start stimulating the economy. The choice is yours.
Take a look at this video for further details.