If someone just got married, but hasn't changed their name or ssn,what's the best way to file taxes?
Answer:
If you haven't gone to SS and updated name to match SS# you will have to put your maiden name on a MFJ return and use the social security number that matches the name on your card. Lots of people never get around to changing names so it is no big thing. Probably a good idea to do so however, for purposes of survivors benefits and retirement and yaddah.
I didn't have a problem this last year. I'm still lazy about changing my last name on my DL and SSN. And we filed jointly. The IRS was perfectly OK with it.
Until it is changed by soc sec, use the old name still on file with soc sec admin otherwise IRS wont process your return especially not your refunds. You can still file as married though even jointly
you are suppossed to do your taxes as a married couple.
The person filing should file with the name on record with the Social Security Office. So if they haven't changed their name, it would be their madian name. I got married the end of last Jan. and changed my name right away. I then filed taxes with my married name even though the whole year prior, all the records showed the madian name. As soon as you make the change through Social Security, the rest of taxes automatically follow.
Use the name on your social security card.
You can file as Married Filing Jointly. Make sure you use the exact spelling of the names matched with the correct ssn. You don't necessarily have to have the same last names to file as a married couple.
After reading the IRS Name change FAQ linked below, I agree you should file using the name on the Soc Sec card. If your W-2 is issued in you married name, it may still cause a mis-match. You can then change your name with Soc Sec and allow 10 days before filing your return.
My personal suggestion with no authority is, if in doubt attach a copy of documentation of your name change to your return. That way, if there is a mis-match, they know why.
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