WHAT'S IN A NAME? THE IRS MAY QUESTION IT.

-THE IRS MAY REJECT YOUR RETURN-
In the past, I’ve had electronically-filed tax returns rejected by the IRS because the wife’s social security number did not match the IRS data base. Often a woman would begin using her husband’s last name for everything but would not change it on her Social Security Card. The IRS might not question it if the return was paper-filed, but electronically-filed returns are only accepted if the social security number and other information matches their data base.

Here is a recent “Tax Tip” from the IRS:

Newlyweds and the recently divorced should ensure the name on their tax return matches the name registered with the Social Security Administration. A mismatch could unexpectedly increase a tax bill or reduce the size of any refund.

• For recently married taxpayers, the tax scenario begins when the bride says "I do." If she takes her husband's last name, but doesn't tell the SSA about the name change, a complication may result. If the couple files a joint tax return with her new name, the IRS computers will not be able to match the new name with the Social Security Number.
• After a divorce, a woman who had taken her husband’s name and made that change known to the SSA should contact the SSA if she reassumes a previous name.

It's easy to inform the SSA of a name change by filing Form SS-5 at a local SSA office. It usually takes two weeks to have the change verified. The form is available on the agency's Web site, www.socialsecurity.gov, by calling 800-772-1213 and at local offices. The SSA Web site provides the addresses of local offices.

Generally, taxpayers must provide SSNs for each dependent claimed on the tax return. For adopted children without SSNs, the parents can apply for an adoption taxpayer identification number, or ATIN, by filing Form W-7A with the IRS. The ATIN is used in place of the SSN on the tax return. The form is available on the IRS Web site, IRS.gov, or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

These Forms are available at www.irs.gov
Form SS-5 Application for a Social Security Card
Form W-7A Application for Taxpayer Identification Number for Pending U.S. Adoptions

LINKS and References – go to

IRS References

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This information is not intended to be advice to the recipient. In compliance with Treasury Department Circular 230, unless stated to the contrary, any Federal Tax advice contained in this Blog was not intended or written to be used and cannot be used for the purposes of avoiding penalties.