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June 6, 2019
Question

Just completed legal name change, how do I file for my returns?

  • June 6, 2019
  • 1 reply
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I finished a legal name change this week, and am waiting on the final decree from the mail. After that I'll go through with changing accounts and documents; while all of my documents in my possession for taxes will be under my former name, I assume I should be filing with that name.. but then if I go through with changing my name on my bank account and social security card, how will that affect the name on my return while my tax return is being processed or mailed? If I file under my former name today and my name is different in 2 weeks, should I just wait until most of that is done?

1 reply

June 6, 2019

When you receive your final decree, you must change your name with the Social Security Administration.

Please read this SSA document on how to change your name:

https://faq.ssa.gov/link/portal/34011/34019/article/3749/how-do-i-change-or-correct-my-name-on-my-so...

As you have not yet changed your name with the Social Security Administration, you should file your tax return using your former name.

The IRS keeps a name and SSN database which is updated at regular intervals from the SSA database. And that update could take some time!



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