How to Update Your Name With the IRS
Steps
- Get the document that changed your name, such as an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate.
- Report the name change to Social Security before you file your tax return. You may be able to do it online; if not, make an appointment at a local office. The replacement card is free.
- Social Security mails the new card 5 to 10 business days after it completes your request.
- File your return with your name as it appears on your Social Security card. If you haven't changed it with Social Security yet, use your former name.
- If a W-2 or 1099 shows your old name, ask the employer or payer to correct it. If you also moved, put your new address on your return or file Form 8822.
From the IRS (name changes and SSN matching FAQ; Tax Tip 2026-54) and Social Security's change-name page, checked 2026-10-22. Sources are listed at the end of this page.
Free guides, plus an optional tool that copies what you type onto blank official forms you choose. How the tool works
IRS Name Change Quick Facts
What the IRS and Social Security say, in their words. Each row links to the official page.
| What | Official text | Official page (checked 2026-10-22) |
|---|---|---|
| Who to tell first | "If either person changes their name, it should be reported to the Social Security Administration prior to filing a tax return." | IRS Tax Tip 2026-54 |
| Name on your return | "All the names on a taxpayer's tax return must match Social Security Administration records." | IRS: Update my information |
| If it doesn't match | "When you file your return, check that both your name and SSN agree with your Social Security card to prevent any delays in processing your return and issuing any refunds." | IRS: Name changes & Social Security number matching issues |
| Social Security card fee | "You can request a free replacement card." | SSA: Replace card |
| Card in the mail | "After we complete your request, you'll receive your replacement card by mail in 5 to 10 business days." | SSA: Change name |
| Form 8822 | "Use Form 8822 to notify the Internal Revenue Service of a change to your home mailing address." | IRS: About Form 8822 |
How to Update Your Name With the IRS
Social Security first, then your return.
Step 1: Update Social Security First
The IRS says to report a name change to Social Security before you file. The name on your return must match Social Security records "to avoid processing delays."
The IRS says to use Form SS-5, the Application for a Social Security Card (the form is on SSA.gov). Social Security says you may be able to request the change online; if not, you make an appointment at a local office. The replacement card is free and arrives by mail 5 to 10 business days after Social Security completes your request.
Our Social Security name change guide covers the SSA step in detail.
Which documents Social Security accepts: see documents needed.
Step 2: File Your Next Tax Return Under the Name on Your Social Security Card
Use your name as it appears on your Social Security card. The IRS says that if you haven't changed your name with Social Security, you use your former name on the return.
If a Form W-2 or 1099 shows your old name, the IRS says to ask your employer to file corrected forms so your earnings are credited to your Social Security record. You can correct the name on the copies you use to file. If you get a Form W-2c or a corrected 1099, include a copy with your return.
Moved too? Form 8822 is for a change to your home mailing address. If you move before you file, the IRS says to enter the new address on your return. See also USPS mail forwarding.
Business Owners With an EIN
- Sole proprietor: Write to the IRS at the address where you filed your return. The owner or an authorized representative signs it. You can ask the IRS to send an acknowledgment.
- Corporation or partnership: Mark the name-change box on the current-year Form 1120, 1120-S or 1065. If that return is already filed, write to the IRS.
- Address or responsible party: Form 8822-B covers a business mailing address, location or responsible party. A responsible-party change must be reported within 60 days.
- EIN: The IRS says you don't need a new EIN if you only change your business name or address.
What You'll Need
For the Social Security step:
- Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card (the IRS says to use it; it is on SSA.gov).
- The document that changed your name, such as an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate. Divorce and court-order papers: see documents needed.
- Then your tax return, with your name as it appears on your Social Security card.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change my name with the IRS?
The IRS says to report the name change to the Social Security Administration before you file. All the names on your tax return must match Social Security's records, so file under the name shown on your Social Security card.
Do I need to file Form 8822 for a name change?
Form 8822 is the IRS form for a change to your home mailing address. If you also moved before you file, the IRS says you can enter the new address on your return.
What if my name doesn't match my Social Security record?
The IRS says a name on your return that doesn't match Social Security's records can delay processing of your return, and it could delay your refund. If you haven't changed your name with Social Security yet, use your former name on the return.
Can we file jointly before I change my name with Social Security?
Yes. The IRS says you can choose "married filing jointly" without changing your name with Social Security. Use your former name on the return until Social Security has your new name.
My W-2 shows my old name. Do I file two returns?
No. The IRS says to report all income on one return. Ask the employer to correct the form to your name as it appears on your Social Security card. If you get a Form W-2c, include a copy with your return.
Is there a fee to change my name with the IRS?
Social Security doesn't charge for a replacement card, which is how a name change is made there.
Official sources
Official IRS and Social Security pages used on this page.
- Name changes & Social Security number matching issues (Internal Revenue Service)
- Update my information (Internal Revenue Service)
- Marriage means making changes before next filing season (Internal Revenue Service)
- Changed Your Name After Marriage or Divorce? (video text script) (Internal Revenue Service)
- About Form 8822, Change of Address (address changes only) (Internal Revenue Service)
- Topic no. 157, Change your address – How to notify the IRS (Internal Revenue Service)
- About Form 8822-B, Change of Address or Responsible Party - Business (Internal Revenue Service)
- Business name change (Internal Revenue Service)
- When to get a new EIN (Internal Revenue Service)
- Change your name with Social Security (Social Security Administration)
- Replace your Social Security card (card mailed 5-10 business days after processing) (Social Security Administration)
Links checked 2026-10-22.
Updating Your Name Everywhere?
Start with Social Security, then see every other agency in order. Free, no account required.
Last verified 2026-10-22 · Not legal advice · Terms · Privacy