Changing your name with the IRS requires filing Form 8822 to update your records with your new legal name. The IRS name change process is free and takes 4-6 weeks to process, but you’ll need to update your Social Security record first since the IRS verifies name changes against Social Security Administration data.
Whether you changed your name after marriage, divorce, or through a court order, notifying the IRS ensures your tax records match your legal name and prevents delays in processing future returns or refunds.
IRS Name Change Quick Facts
| Form Required | Form 8822 (Change of Address/Name) |
| Filing Fee | Free |
| Processing Time | 4-6 weeks |
| Where to Mail | Depends on your state (see IRS instructions) |
| Prerequisite | Must update Social Security first |
How to Change Your Name with the IRS
The IRS name change process involves four straightforward steps. You’ll need to update Social Security first, then notify the IRS using Form 8822.
Step 1: Update Your Social Security Record First
The IRS verifies name changes against Social Security records, so you must change your name with Social Security before notifying the IRS. Visit your local Social Security office with your name change documents (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) and complete Form SS-5. This takes 2-4 weeks to process.
Step 2: Fill Out IRS Form 8822
Form 8822 notifies the IRS of your name change and address if it also changed. You’ll need your Social Security number, old and new names, and current address. The form asks for your previous year’s tax return information to verify your identity. NewLastName fills out Form 8822 automatically when you use our free name change tool.
Step 3: Mail the Form to the IRS
Mail your completed Form 8822 to the IRS address for your state. The mailing address depends on where you live, not where you file your taxes. Check the form instructions for your specific address. Keep a copy for your records and consider sending via certified mail for tracking.
Step 4: Wait for Processing Confirmation
The IRS processes name changes within 4-6 weeks. You won’t receive a confirmation letter unless there’s a problem with your submission. To verify your name change was processed, check that your next tax document (like a 1099 or refund check) shows your new name, or call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.
IRS Form 8822 Explained
Form 8822 is a two-page form that serves dual purposes: notifying the IRS of address changes and name changes. When you’re only changing your name, you’ll complete the name change section and may leave the address section blank if you haven’t moved.
The form requires basic information including your Social Security number, spouse’s SSN if married filing jointly, old and new names, and details from your most recent tax return for identity verification. You’ll need to provide the tax year, filing status, and refund or balance due amount from that return.
Mailing addresses vary by state. Most states mail Form 8822 to the IRS processing center in Austin, Texas, but some use different locations. California residents mail to Fresno, while New York residents use Holtsville. Always check the current form instructions for your state’s specific address.
Common mistakes include forgetting to sign the form, using outdated mailing addresses, or submitting before updating Social Security. The IRS will reject forms where the name change doesn’t match Social Security records, so wait until your SSA update processes before mailing Form 8822.
Form 8822-B for Business Owners
Business owners need Form 8822-B instead of Form 8822 to change their name with the IRS for business tax purposes. This includes sole proprietors who file Schedule C, partners in partnerships, and business owners with Employer Identification Numbers (EINs).
Form 8822-B covers businesses, trusts, and estates. If you operate as a sole proprietor under your personal name and that name is changing, you’ll need both forms: Form 8822 for your personal tax records and Form 8822-B for your business tax records.
The business form requires your EIN, business name changes, and the same identity verification information as the individual form. Mail Form 8822-B to the same address as Form 8822 for your state. Processing time is also 4-6 weeks.
Do You Need to File a New Tax Return?
You don’t need to file an amended tax return after changing your name with the IRS. Your previously filed returns remain valid under your old name, and the IRS will update their records to connect your old and new names.
However, file all future tax returns under your new legal name. This includes quarterly estimated tax payments if you make them. Your next tax return should match your updated Social Security records and IRS files.
Update your W-4 with your employer so your paystubs and W-2 reflect your new name. While mismatched names between your W-2 and tax return won’t prevent filing, consistency helps avoid processing delays. If you receive other tax documents like 1099s, contact those payers to update your name for future years.
Special Situations
Married Filing Jointly: If you’re married and change your name, both spouses should update their information even though only one name changed. The IRS links married taxpayers’ records, and having current information for both prevents future complications.
Recently Divorced: After divorce, you’ll typically revert to your prior name and change your filing status from married to single or head of household. Update both your name and address if you moved, and consider updating your withholding with your employer since your tax situation likely changed.
Name Change Mid-Tax Year: If you change your name partway through the tax year, file your return under your legal name as of December 31st. Your W-2 might show your old name if you changed it late in the year, but file under your year-end legal name and include a note explaining the discrepancy.
Estimated Tax Payments: Make future quarterly payments under your new name. The IRS will connect payments made under your old name before the name change processed, but use your new name going forward to avoid confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an IRS name change take?
The IRS processes name changes in 4-6 weeks after receiving Form 8822. You won’t get a confirmation letter unless there’s a problem, so check future tax documents to verify your new name appears correctly.
Can I change my name with the IRS online?
No, the IRS doesn’t offer online name changes. You must mail Form 8822 to the IRS processing center for your state. However, NewLastName fills out Form 8822 automatically and provides the correct mailing address for your location.
What if my name doesn’t match my Social Security record?
The IRS will reject your name change if it doesn’t match Social Security records. You must update your name with Social Security first, wait 2-4 weeks for processing, then submit Form 8822 to the IRS.
Do I need to update my past tax returns?
No, you don’t need to amend past tax returns after changing your name. Previously filed returns remain valid under your old name. The IRS will update their records to connect your old and new names going forward.
Is there a fee to change my name with the IRS?
No, changing your name with the IRS is completely free. Form 8822 costs nothing to file, and you only need to pay for postage to mail it to the IRS processing center.
What if I moved and changed my name at the same time?
Use the same Form 8822 to notify the IRS of both your name and address changes. Complete both sections of the form and mail it to the IRS processing center for your new state of residence.
Should I notify the IRS before filing my next tax return?
Yes, notify the IRS as soon as possible after updating Social Security. This ensures your name change processes before tax season and prevents delays in processing your return or issuing refunds.
Changing your name with the IRS connects to updating other financial accounts too. You’ll also need to update your bank accounts, notify credit card companies, and potentially get a new passport if you have one. Each agency has its own process, but starting with Social Security and the IRS establishes the foundation for other updates.
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Last verified: 2026-03-30