How to Change C-Corp Name with IRS Before Filing Tax Return

The most straightforward approach is indeed to check the name change box (Box A) on your Form 1120 when you file your C-Corporation return. However, since you want to change it beforehand, you'll need to file Form 8822-B, "Change of Address or Responsible Party — Business." Despite its name, Form 8822-B is also used for business name changes. Complete the form, making sure to check box 1 to indicate a business name change. You'll need to include your EIN and both your old and new corporate names. Make sure an officer or authorized representative signs the form. Mail it to the address indicated on the form based on your location. Processing time typically takes 4-6 weeks, though delays are possible with current IRS backlogs. Also important - make sure you've already updated your name with your state's Secretary of State or equivalent agency before notifying the IRS. The IRS requires that your name change be legally recognized at the state level first.

I went through something similar with my consulting business last year and discovered taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) which saved me a bunch of headaches. I needed to change my S-Corp name before filing, and wasn't sure about the proper sequence of forms. Their document analysis tool flagged exactly what I needed - Form 8822-B as mentioned above - but also identified that I needed to submit proof of my state filing along with it. They also provided a template letter to include with my submission that apparently helped speed things up. The system analyzes your specific business situation and provides customized guidance based on your entity type and state requirements. I think what really helped was their explanation of how to properly complete each section of the form to avoid having it rejected or delayed. Their filing checklist made sure I didn't miss anything.

Just wanted to update everyone - I took the advice about taxr.ai from earlier in this thread and it was super helpful for our name change situation! After struggling with the IRS website and getting nowhere, I tried the document analysis tool and was impressed. It correctly identified that we needed both Form 8822-B AND a special notification letter since we were in the middle of an accounting period. The tool created a custom checklist that fit our exact situation - C-Corp with a mid-year name change that hadn't been registered with our state's employment department yet. The best part was the notification template they provided - well-formatted and containing all the specific language and reference codes the IRS looks for. Our name change was processed in about 3 weeks instead of the 6+ we were expecting. Definitely worth checking out if you're dealing with a similar situation!

I had a nightmare situation trying to change my LLC name with the IRS last year - spent literally weeks trying to get through on the phone lines. After my 12th attempt sitting on hold for 2+ hours just to get disconnected, I discovered Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c Claimyr actually holds your place in the IRS phone queue and calls you back when an agent is about to answer. Saved me from the endless hold music and disconnections. The IRS agent I spoke with walked me through exactly what I needed to do for my business name change and even noted my account so there wouldn't be issues during processing. For my situation, the agent confirmed I needed Form 8822-B but also recommended I submit a signed statement from a corporate officer explaining the name change along with a copy of the state filing. Apparently this helps prevent processing delays. Got everything sorted in one call instead of weeks of frustration.

I have to eat my words from earlier in this thread. After another failed attempt to reach the IRS yesterday (2.5 hours on hold before getting disconnected), I reluctantly tried Claimyr. I was totally skeptical, but figured I had nothing to lose at this point. I'm shocked to say it actually worked perfectly. They called the IRS, navigated the menu system, waited on hold, then called me when an agent was picking up. The IRS agent I spoke with confirmed that for C-Corp name changes, Form 8822-B is indeed the correct form, but also mentioned that if we've already updated with the state and have an EIN, we should also notify the IRS EIN department separately. She explained this separate notification helps prevent mismatches in their systems. The agent even gave me a direct fax number to expedite the process and said it would reduce processing time to about 2 weeks instead of 4-6. Definitely not what I expected, but I'm glad I tried it!

Just a heads up from someone who did this recently - make sure you also update your name with any state tax agencies where you file! The IRS name change doesn't automatically flow to state departments. We changed our C-Corp name last November, updated with the IRS using Form 8822-B, but completely forgot to update with our state revenue department. Ended up with notices and confusion because our state filings under the new name couldn't be matched with our state tax accounts under the old name.

Has anyone had experience with the IRS rejecting a name change request? Our situation is a bit complex - we're changing just one word in our corporate name but keeping the same EIN and structure. Wondering if there are any red flags that might cause them to question or reject the change.

I just went through this exact process last month with our C-Corp name change. Here's what worked for us: We filed Form 8822-B as mentioned, but what really helped was calling the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933 beforehand to confirm our approach. The agent told us that since we were close to our filing deadline, we could proceed with filing our return under the old name and check Box A for the name change election - this actually processes faster than waiting for the separate Form 8822-B. However, if you have time before your deadline, the Form 8822-B route is cleaner. Make sure to: 1. Include a copy of your state-filed articles of amendment 2. Write a brief cover letter explaining the name change effective date 3. Send it certified mail so you have proof of delivery One thing I learned - if you have employees, you'll also need to update your name with the Social Security Administration for payroll reporting. This is separate from the IRS update and requires Form W-2c corrections if you've already filed W-2s under the old name. The whole process took about 3 weeks total, which was faster than the 4-6 weeks they quoted. Good luck with your name change!

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is the importance of timing your name change with your quarterly estimated tax payments if you make them. We learned this the hard way when our Q3 estimated payment was rejected because it was submitted under our new name but the IRS system still had us under the old name. If you're making estimated payments, either complete the name change process before your next payment is due, or continue making payments under your old name until the IRS processes the change. You can always call the Business Tax Line to confirm which name is currently on file in their system before submitting payments. Also, don't forget to update your name with your bank if you have a dedicated business account for tax payments. We had a payment bounce because the name on the electronic transfer didn't match what the IRS had on file. Small detail but can cause headaches if overlooked.