Marriage or Divorce

Marriage or divorce tax tips from a westchester CPA

It’s important to make sure your name matches your social security number and tax returns to avoid problems at tax time.

Westchester tax preparation experts at Herman & Company CPA’s have all the answers to your personal finance questions!

Newlyweds and the recently divorced should make sure that names on their tax returns match those registered with the Social Security Administration (SSA). A mismatch between a name on the tax return and a Social Security number (SSN) could cause your tax return to be rejected by the IRS.

For newlyweds, the tax scenario can begin when the bride says “I do” and takes her husband’s surname, but doesn’t tell the SSA about the name change. If the couple files a joint tax return with her new name, the IRS computers will not be able to match the new name with the SSN.

Similarly, after a divorce, a woman who had taken her husband?s name and had made that change known to the SSA should contact the SSA if she reassumes a previous name.

It’s easy to inform the SSA of a name change by filing Form SS-5 at a local SSA office. It usually takes two weeks to have the change verified. The form is available on the agency’s Web site, www.ssa.gov, by calling toll free 1-800-772-1213 and at local offices. The SSA Web site provides the addresses of local offices.  Alternatively, please contact our Westchester tax preparation firm as we can be of even greater assistance with your spousal situation.

Westchester tax preparers at Herman & Company can help you with:

  • 2013 Financial Planning for your Westchester-based business
  • Retirement planning, business valuation and bookkeeping for your small or medium-sized firm
  • Proudly serving all the towns of Westchester County, including White Plains NY, Mamaroneck NY, New Rochelle NY, Mt. Kisco NY, Scarsdale  NY and beyond.

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