How to File Taxes After Marriage With a Name Change
- 1). Gather documentation proving your name change. You must be able to show a recent document, such as a marriage certificate, that confirms your name change.
- 2). Complete an application for a new Social Security card. To change your name with the SSA, you must complete SSA Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card. You can get this application from the SSA website or in person at an SSA office. You can find an SSA office locator in the Resources section of this article. On the application, you must include your previous name as well as your new name along with information on your mother, father and your birth. With your application, you must include the document that supports your name change, such as a marriage certificate, along with documents that support your identity and citizenship, such as a driver's license and birth certificate. You must include original documents with your application; photocopies are not acceptable. For this reason, many people prefer to submit their applications in person at an SSA office, rather than by mail, in order to reduce the chances or losing their documents.
- 3). Complete your tax return with your new name. Once you have changed your name with the SSA, you can file your IRS tax return using your new name. Simply complete the personal information section of your return using your new name and regular Social Security number.