What to Do When You Forget to Add Married Name to Taxes?
If you used the wrong last name to file your income taxes, you must file an amended return.
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When you file your income tax return electronically, the Internal Revenue Service verifies your personal information before accepting the return. The IRS matches your name and Social Security number with the Social Security Administration records and accepts your return only if the name and numbers match. Generally, if you forgot to use your married name and filed electronically, the IRS will reject your return, allowing you to make the change and resubmit. If you filed your return through the mail, you must file an amended return to fix the error.
Gather a copy of your previously filed income tax return and Form 1040-X. as well as the 1040-X instructions from the IRS website.
Step 2Check the box on Form 1040-X that pertains to the tax year you are amending.
Step 3Enter your personal information in the top section of the form. Make sure to use your married name instead of your maiden name.
Step 4Check the "Married Filing Jointly" or "Married Filing Separately" box to select a filing status. Refer to your previously filed tax return to verify the correct filing status.
Step 5Skip down to "Part III" and enter "Filed original tax return using maiden name" in the field provided.
Step 6Sign and date the form. Mail Form 1040-X to the address listed on the 1040-X instructions.
References
Resources
Tips
- File your income taxes using the name that is listed on your most recent Social Security card.
- If you were married but have not changed your name through the SSA, use your maiden name to file your taxes.
- If you have notified the SSA of the name change but have not received the new card, wait at least 10 days to file an amended return.
- Because you are not amending the amounts on your income tax return, you are not required to complete Page 1, Part I, or Part II of Form 1040-X.
- If you would like to contribute to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund, but did not on your previous income tax return, check the box in Part II.
Writer Bio
Angela M. Wheeland specializes in topics related to taxation, technology, gaming and criminal law. She has contributed to several websites and serves as the lead content editor for a construction-related website. Wheeland holds an Associate of Arts in accounting and criminal justice. She has owned and operated her own income tax-preparation business since 2006.