| Newlyweds and the recently divorced should make | | | | IRS computers will not be able to match the new |
| sure that names on their tax returns match those | | | | name with the SSN. This could result in tax |
| registered with the Social Security Administration | | | | assessments or even an audit since the IRS may be |
| (SSA). A mismatch between a name on the tax return | | | | under the impression that you are simply evading |
| and a Social Security number (SSN) could | | | | taxes. |
| unexpectedly increase a tax bill or reduce the size of | | | | Similarly, after a divorce, a woman who had taken her |
| any refund. | | | | husband's name and had made that change known to |
| For newlyweds, the tax scenario can begin when the | | | | the SSA should contact the SSA if she reassumes a |
| bride says "I do" and takes her husband's surname, but | | | | previous name. Failure to take this action can lead to |
| doesn't tell the SSA about the name change. If the | | | | audits. Can you imagine going through an audit with |
| couple files a joint tax return with her new name, the | | | | your former spouse? |