Name not on file

[Robvirginia1]

My daughter got married..changed her name on her social security card. She files married separately. 

But when she sends her return. It's says her name not on file....so she uses her maiden name and her return gets accepted...what's wrong?  AND how to we fox this...remember the irs will only except her maid name on her retun...not her married name.

[NateTheGrEAt]

Hi @Robvirginia1! 

What you have described is not uncommon for someone who changed their name with Social Security relatively recently. It does take some time for the IRS to update their database with information from Social Security. 

If your daughter is still experiencing this issue more than a year later, she might want to contact IRS and Social Security to ensure that the change went through and is being processed correctly. But these changes do not happen immediately - they are processed in bulk once or twice a year. 

I hope this information is helpful!

[VolvoGirl]

The name is ok.  It will probably get updated next year in the IRS.  

But may I ask why she is filing separate?  That is usually the worst way to file.  Here are some things she might not know.

Unless you have a specific reason to file separate returns,

It is usually better to file Joint. Joint has the lowest tax rates and the highest Standard Deduction. And if you are in a Community Property state MFS gets tricky to figure out. Here's some things to consider about filing separately……

In the first place you each have to file a separate return, so that's two returns. And if you are using the Online version that means using 2 accounts and paying the fees twice.

Many people think they come out better when filing Married Filing Separate but they are probably doing it wrong. If one person itemizes deductions then the other one must itemize too, even if it's less than the standard deduction, even if it is ZERO!

And there are several credits you can't take when filing separately, like the

EITC Earned Income Tax Credit

Child Care Credit

Educational Deductions and Credits

And contributions to IRA and ROTH IRA are limited when you file MFS.

Also if you file Married Filing Separately up to 85`% of your Social Security becomes taxable right away even with zero other income.

See …….
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/married/help/is-it-better-for-a-married-couple-to-file-jointly-or-...

[Robvirginia1]

Thanks! I was worried that we were doing something wong..I don't want any trouble with tbe irs..thanks much

[Robvirginia1]

They are separated...and will be divorcing soon. Thanks 👍 

[Robvirginia1]

Thank you for the help and information!