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New Member
posted Jun 4, 2019 1:29:12 PM

I didn't notice that my name was misspelled on my tax return, until after I printed it out. What do I do?

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1 Best answer
New Member
Jun 4, 2019 1:29:14 PM

The IRS matches the first 4 letters of your last name with your Social Security Number, if that is incorrect then your return will reject and you can fix your name. If you misspelled your first name or the end of your last name and your return is accepted by the IRS, then it is too late to correct it now.  You can just make sure to correct it when you file your taxes next year.

24 Replies
New Member
Jun 4, 2019 1:29:14 PM

The IRS matches the first 4 letters of your last name with your Social Security Number, if that is incorrect then your return will reject and you can fix your name. If you misspelled your first name or the end of your last name and your return is accepted by the IRS, then it is too late to correct it now.  You can just make sure to correct it when you file your taxes next year.

New Member
Jun 4, 2019 1:29:15 PM

But how would I cash my check with a my name misspelled??

New Member
Jun 4, 2019 1:29:17 PM

Will i get my return my first name spelles wrong

New Member
Jun 4, 2019 1:29:18 PM

@alisonadkins67 did u ever get any answers? I’m in the same boat.

New Member
Jun 4, 2019 1:29:20 PM

Did ya ever have any problem cashing your check. I have the same problem right now my name is misspelled & they put my check on hold it's been 2 weeks now.

New Member
Feb 26, 2020 10:17:05 PM

How can I fix it 

New Member
Mar 17, 2020 7:23:29 AM

Would this be a reason for your refund to be withheld for 60 days

Expert Alumni
Mar 17, 2020 7:31:10 AM

@Gatheringhisjewels

 

Yes, this is a possibility, although the IRS can have many reasons to do identity verification. Indeed, the IRS can have many other reasons to put a 60-day hold on your refund, other than for identity verification.

 

What you need to do is watch your mail box, in case the IRS sends you a letter asking for additional information. Respond to such letters as quickly as you can.

New Member
May 10, 2020 4:49:56 PM

When I tried to e-file my taxes in January they kept getting denied on Turbo Tax and I realized the CPA I used for 2018 and had misspelled my first name by one letter, so I assumed that was the problem and paper filed my return with my name corrected. My return has been sitting at "Your tax return is still being processed." since late January.  The address I put on my return for '19 I don't live at anymore as of April but prior to moving out I never received any mail from the IRS to verify identity and I assume by April I would have received something I also have address forwarding on anyways. My question is can I proactively send in the documents without having received the letter in the mail? 

Employee Tax Expert
May 11, 2020 2:29:48 PM

Yes, you can.

 

Go to the following link and update your information with the IRS directly.

 

Change of address

New Member
Mar 29, 2021 2:30:34 PM

I'm having problems creating an account for IRS.gov. on my 2018 tax papers my name was misspelled. They can't identify me what do I do

Expert Alumni
Mar 29, 2021 2:47:47 PM

If you move before filing your tax return, put the new address on your return. The IRS will update your records when they process your return.

If you move after filing your return, have the post office forward mail to your new address. Some post offices don't forward government checks, so you may also want to change your address with the IRS. You can use IRS Form 8822, Change of Address (form and instructions) to notify them of an address change.

 

Additional information at the following link:

change address at IRS

New Member
Apr 16, 2021 4:50:53 PM

MY NAME WAS SPELLED INCORRECLY HOW CAN I CASH MY CHECK AND I LIVE IN THE PHILIPPINES

Expert Alumni
Apr 16, 2021 5:17:02 PM

Whoever issued the check has your name spelled wrong - so you should get that corrected and have them re-issue the check if you can't cash it.  

 

The IRS uses information on file from the social security administration SSA and from what you entered on your tax return.     @AJAX0206 

New Member
Apr 19, 2021 9:42:32 PM

hello !  if my name is input incorrect on my last years taxes how do I fix it

Expert Alumni
Apr 20, 2021 6:01:13 PM

Please select this IRS link and select name change information.

Returning Member
May 25, 2021 11:45:36 AM

My Stimulus check has the incorrect name, it has a "JR" at the end of it. I want to remove this. IRS accepted my return and has sent me my checks.

This link: https://www.irs.gov/filing/individuals/update-my-information

Doesn't fix my situation? I do not need a new name on a Social Security Card. I need my tax return to match the name on my social security card.

Calling [phone number removed] only gives me an Informational Portal. All options giving by the system are "for questions about..." various topics. I was able to get through to a person but they started with a disclaimer that they are unable to help with your account, and you shouldn't give any personal information to them. I explained my situation and the person on the phone "forwarded" me to a phone where I was on hold for 20 mins and then disconnected. The initial hold time before I was forwarded was 2 minute wait time.

Who do I have to contact through the IRS to change the name on my tax return so that my EIP check can have the right name on it so that I may deposit it?

Returning Member
May 25, 2021 11:46:31 AM

> the redacted phone number is an IRS phone number ending in "1040".

Returning Member
May 25, 2021 12:11:00 PM

I am filling out a 1040-X to amend my return. This makes sense to me. Calling for 3 days has led to nothing. Thank you TurboTax search field for guidance on how to amend my return.

Returning Member
Jul 8, 2021 4:13:09 PM

Actually this step didn't work because although my return was amended.

 

 

THE IRS STILL CUT THE CHECK OUT TO THE WRONG NAME DESPITE IT BEING CHANGED IN MY FORM

Im officially dead wow **bleep**

Returning Member
Jul 8, 2021 4:43:19 PM

Due to some bill, april 1 and on if you filed an amended return you are now in a line of millions of people.

My amended return submitted in May has not been looked at. The check they cut me was from my original filing in March, seems the system is behind 4 months?

Level 15
Jul 8, 2021 5:32:03 PM

@AlohaMeansGoodbye It is taking the IRS about six months (or more) to process amended tax returns because they are so backlogged.   You have posted several things about your issue----is it that the IRS put "Jr." at the end of your name?    Is your bank refusing to let you deposit the check in your account?   Why did you mention a Social Security card----banks don't normally ask to see a SS card for identification.    

New Member
Feb 15, 2022 5:55:41 PM

I i.r.s. misspelled my last name. I have sent to correct but nothing happened. How do I fix this problem 

Expert Alumni
Feb 15, 2022 7:09:02 PM

The Social Security Administration handles name spellings and social security numbers. They give the IRS their information. If you have a spelling issue, you need to contact SSA here.

 

@Kurtezz