When you e‑file your tax return, the name you enter must match Social Security Administration (SSA) and IRS records exactly. If the name you enter does not match their system, your return may be rejected.
How to Enter a Last Name With a Hyphen or Special Character
Hyphens, dashes, and certain special characters cannot be entered in the program.
If your last name contains one of these characters:
- Replace the hyphen or special character with a space.
Examples
- O’Connor → O CONNOR
- Smith‑Jones → SMITH JONES (only if SSA has it this way)
- García → GARCIA
If you’re unsure how your name appears in SSA records, verify before e‑filing.
What If My Last Name Is Too Long?
IRS and SSA systems have character limits for names. If your last name exceeds the allowed length:
- Enter as many characters as the field allows.
- Do not shorten or abbreviate your name unless your SSA card already shows an abbreviation.
- Make sure the first characters match SSA records exactly, as these are used for identity matching.
Note: The IRS primarily verifies the first four letters of your last name.
How to Confirm the Name on File With IRS or SSA
If you are unsure how your name appears in federal records, you can contact:
- IRS: 1‑800‑829‑1040
- Social Security Administration: 1‑800‑772‑1213
They can confirm the exact spelling, spacing, and formatting on your record.
Entering Your Name in Your Tax Account
Once you know the correct format:
- Enter your last name exactly as it appears in SSA records.
- Replace any disallowed characters with a space.
- Follow character limits as required.