[Faithful Heart]

Last year (Taxes for the year 2006), we filed our taxes with our daughter's birth name (first name). We legally changed her first name after we filed taxes for 2006. For our 2006 tax return, our accountant typed her birth name but we have legally changed it and also about a month ago we went to Social Security to change her name on her card too. I am wondering if anyone has had any problems with the IRS by filing a return with the birth first name even though you legally changed your son or daughter's first name? Also, if you filed one year with the birth first name and then filed the next year with the legally changed first name you gave to your son or daughter, did you have any problems with the IRS? I am just afraid to cross out her typed birth name on the return and write her legal name in pen since it does not fit on the line and may draw a delay since last year the name was different. Any suggestions whether I should make arrangements to cross it out anyway and perhaps make a copy of the Social Security Card? I am hoping this does not cause confusion with the IRS. I heard they might just match the last name and the SSN so if I just leave the birth name, perhaps it may not be an issue anyway since the Social Security Number stays the same. We really need the money now and I would hate to wait another six weeks for it. Thanks very much.

[jeannecr]

I would just attach a copy of her new name and state that it was legally changed and the date.

[DPline]

We filed our taxes the first year with Lauren's birth name and the subsequent years with her 'new' name with no problem.

My SIL who works for H&R Block does our taxes online and then just e-files and prints them out for us, so the crossing out thing wasn't an issue for us. Would you like me to email her your question and see what she thinks?

[stephjoel99]

My brother in law works for the IRS and he said it shouldn't be a problem (but I'll believe it when I see it) - I think the SSN name and name on the return must match - that's the biggie.

Edited: I didn't see the part about crossing out - sorry! Wiggly almost 2 year old at my feet - I don't know what to tell you about crossing out the name. I thought it was simply a matter of one name one year, different name next year.

[Faithful Heart]

Debbie,

I called H & R Block and the tax preparer stated the IRS just looks at the last name and the Social Security Number to make sure it is accurate. He said the first name would not matter. I hope he is right. I just do not want to cross out her name (also when I rewrite her name it would not even be in the line and I would have to write it in the margin and it just would look funny or suspicious I think and delay the money getting to us). Our accountant is out of town for a week. I will file it with her birth name like I did last year. If it is is an issue, I guess I will just have to file an Amended Tax Return and attach a copy of her legally changed name S.S.N. card with a letter to the IRS explaining. Debbie, if you do not mind, could you ask your SIL? thanks so much.

[DPline]

No problem. I will email her tonight and email you as soon as I hear from her. I would call her, but if I call and wake up her kids, she wouldn't be too inclined to answer questions!

[DPline]

I emailed you her answer. Let me know if you don't get it.