Marriage, Divorce & Taxes

If you were recently married or divorced, the Internal Revenue Service suggests taking the following two steps to prevent problems or issues with the Social Security Administration:

1. If you took your husband’s last name, or if you hyphenated your last name after getting married, it’s important to change your name with the SSA. If you file your tax return with your new last name without notifying the SSA, you may run into problems if the IRS can’t match your new name with your maiden name. The same issue holds true for women who change their name back to their maiden name after a divorce.
2. If you adopted your spouse’s or partner’s child, you will need to ensure those children have a Social Security number. In order to claim a minor as a dependent on your tax return you must have their SSN. If the child doesn't have a SSN, you could also apply for an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN)

It's important to be prepared as you head into tax season. An experienced divorce & family lawyer can provide you with the information and resources you need regarding divorce and marriage and their affect on taxes. Furthermore, if you need help requesting a name change with the SSA, an attorney can help you with that as well. To locate a lawyer near you, click here to search our nationwide database of divorce attorneys.