If your legal name changed during the tax year—because of marriage, divorce, adoption, or a court order—you may wonder which name to enter on your federal tax return. The IRS requires that the name on your return match the name on file with the Social Security Administration (SSA) at the time you file. Using a name that does not match SSA records can cause your return to be rejected.
Which Name Should You Use on Your Tax Return?
Use the name currently on file with the SSA
Even if your name changed during the year, you must file your return using the exact name shown on your Social Security card on the date you file. This ensures your income, withholding, and refund are correctly matched to your Social Security Number (SSN).
What If You Already Updated Your Name With the SSA?
- If you submitted Form SS‑5 and received a new Social Security card with your updated name, file your return using that new name.
- If the SSA has not yet processed your name change—or you have not received your updated card—file using the previous name shown on your current Social Security card.
What If Your Legal Name Changed but SSA Still Shows Your Old Name?
If your legal name changed but your SSA record has not been updated:
- File your tax return using the old name that appears on your Social Security card.
- Contact the SSA as soon as possible to update your information for future tax years.
How to Update Your Name With the SSA
To update your name with the SSA, you will need:
- Completed Form SS‑5 (Application for a Social Security Card)
- Legal proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order)
- Proof of identity
Instructions and office locations are available at ssa.gov.
Special Situations
Recently Married
If you took your spouse’s last name or hyphenated your name:
- File using the name on your current Social Security card—whether it reflects your old or new name.
Recently Divorced
If your divorce decree restored your former name:
- File using the name on your Social Security card.
- If SSA still lists your married name, continue using that name until your SSA record is updated.
E‑File Name Mismatch Errors
You may receive an e‑file rejection if:
- You use your new name before SSA updates its records.
- Your entry does not match SSA records exactly (including hyphens, spaces, or suffixes such as Jr. or III).
To fix the issue, correct the name to match your Social Security card and resubmit your return.