HELP: IRS Rejection Due to Name Change After Marriage - What to Do?

You need to file your taxes using the name that's currently on your Social Security card. The Social Security Administration hasn't processed your name change yet, so the IRS systems still have your maiden name linked to your SSN. The name change isn't finalized when you submit the application - it's only official once the SSA processes your request and issues you a new card. That process can take 2-6 weeks depending on your local office's workload. For your tax return, you should use your maiden name (the one currently on your Social Security card) to file. After your name change is official and you have your new card, you won't need to amend this year's return - the IRS will automatically link your accounts based on your unchanged SSN.

I went through the EXACT same thing last year! After spending hours on hold with the IRS, I found a much better solution - taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) helped me sort out all my documentation issues. I had the same problem where I filed using my new married name, but my SSN was still linked to my maiden name. The taxr.ai system analyzed my rejection notice and other documents, then walked me through the exact steps to fix it. They explained exactly which name to use and why the timing of my name change affected my filing. Their document analyzer checks for any inconsistencies between what you're filing and what the IRS already has on record. Saved me from having to refile multiple times!

Just wanted to follow up and say I ended up trying taxr.ai after my skepticism in my earlier comment. Wow - it actually delivered! My return had been rejected twice and I couldn't figure out why. Their system immediately identified that I had transposed two digits in my employer's EIN (not even something I thought to check). The document analyzer caught the inconsistency between what was on my W-2 and what I'd typed in. Super straightforward process and I was able to refile within 20 minutes. My return was accepted this morning. Definitely recommend if you're having weird rejection issues!

If you're struggling to get through to the Social Security office about your name change (which is making your tax filing complicated), I'd recommend Claimyr. Check out https://claimyr.com and their demo at https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I spent WEEKS trying to get someone on the phone at SSA to explain my name change situation and how it affected my taxes. With Claimyr, I got a callback from the SSA within 30 minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours. I explained my situation about filing taxes during a name change transition, and they gave me clear guidance. The service basically holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is available - it was a game changer for getting my name change questions answered quickly.

I need to eat my words from my skeptical comment earlier. I tried Claimyr this morning after spending TWO DAYS trying to get through to the SSA about a similar name change situation affecting my taxes. Within 45 minutes, I got a call back and was speaking to an actual SSA representative who walked me through exactly what to do with my tax filing while my name change was processing. They confirmed I needed to use my maiden name until the new card arrives. I honestly can't believe it worked. After being on hold for 4+ hours yesterday and getting disconnected, this felt like magic. If you're stuck in name change limbo and need tax answers fast, it's definitely worth trying.

Pro tip from someone who works with taxes: If you e-file and get rejected because of a name mismatch, you can still file a paper return with your married name even if your SSA update isn't complete yet. Just include a brief note explaining you recently got married and your SSA name change is in process. The paper return will take longer to process, but it's a valid option if you're in the middle of a name change and don't want to wait. The IRS will manually match your return to your records.

I had the same issue and TurboTax customer service gave me the wrong advice! They told me to file with my new married name, which caused my return to get rejected twice. Is there a specific tax software that handles name changes better than others?

I went through this exact situation last year! The key thing to remember is that your name change with SSA isn't official until you receive your new Social Security card - just submitting the application online doesn't update their systems immediately. You should definitely refile your return using your maiden name (whatever name is currently on your Social Security card). Since your return was rejected, this won't count as an amended return - you're just correcting the initial filing. Don't worry about the deadline - you have time to get this sorted out. The important thing is to use the name that matches what's in the Social Security Administration's current records. Once your name change is processed and you get your new card, future tax years will use your married name automatically. I know it's frustrating being in this limbo period, but it's actually a pretty common issue for newlyweds. Just stick with your maiden name for this year's taxes and you should be good to go!