Last name differences on tax filings

[slara22]

I have dual citizenship. In one country (where I grew up), my formal last name is a compound: 1st my father's last and 2nd mother's last name. Together they are my last name in that country. In the U.S.A. (where I was born and returned to live in, years ago) my passport and SS card only have my father's last name (no compounds).

The problem: I started filing USA taxes using only my first last name, as in my official USA documents. But since 2008, I have been filing taxes with my compound last name (as in my other country's citizenship documents). So, the IRS has tax filings with the 2 versions. I have never had a problem. But:

1. Do I need to correct this? If so, where do I start?

 2. Will I run into problems when I qualify for medicare if I do not fix this?

Thank you for your help!

[Bsch4477]

Your name for tax purposes should match the name on your social security card. 

[xmasbaby0]

Your name on your tax return needs to match the name on your Social Security card when you prepare your U.S. tax return.

You asked:

1. Do I need to correct this? If so, where do I start?

 2. Will I run into problems when I qualify for medicare if I do not fix this?

If you are worried about what might happen regarding Social Security benefits and/or Medicare, you should ask the Social Security Administration about that.

www.ssa.gov

[slara22]

Thank you. Before contacting the Social Security Adminsitration (which will likely be a longer process), is there a professional that can advise on how to proceed and maybe help to do paperwork? Would an accountant do that? Thanks again!

[Bsch4477 · Accepted solution]

You should be able to work with social security without involving anyone else. 

[xmasbaby0]

https://www.ssa.gov/agency/contact/

[slara22]

Thank you!