Is your name different now than it was when you last filed your taxes? Perhaps you recently got married, divorced, or had a legal name change? Whatever the reason, it's crucial to ensure your name on your tax return matches the records with the Social Security Administration (SSA). This isn't just a matter of preference; it's a critical step to avoid delays in processing your return and receiving any potential refund.
Don't worry, changing your name on TurboTax is a straightforward process, though the exact steps depend on whether you've already filed your return for the current tax year. Let's walk through it together!
Changing Your Name on TurboTax: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process of changing your name in TurboTax typically involves two main areas: updating your TurboTax account information (which is linked to your Intuit account) and, more importantly, updating the name on your actual tax return.
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| How To Change Name On Turbotax |
Step 1: Confirm Your Name Change with the Social Security Administration (SSA)
Before you even open TurboTax, this is the most critical first step. The IRS matches the name and Social Security Number (SSN) on your tax return with the records at the SSA. If they don't match, your return could be rejected, or your refund delayed.
How to do it:
Contact the SSA: Visit the Social Security Administration website (ssa.gov) or call them at 1-800-772-1213 to officially report your name change.
Receive Your New Social Security Card: The SSA will issue you a new Social Security card with your updated name. This card is your official proof of name change for tax purposes.
Wait for the SSA Records to Update: It can take a few weeks for the SSA's records to update across all government agencies, including the IRS. While you can often file with your new name relatively soon after changing it with the SSA, if you encounter e-file rejections, it might be due to a delay in their systems. In such rare cases, filing with your former name might be necessary, and then contacting the SSA to verify their records.
Step 2: Updating Your TurboTax Account Information (Intuit Account)
Your TurboTax account is tied to your Intuit account, which houses your personal information across various Intuit products like QuickBooks and Credit Karma. While updating your account name is good practice, it's the name on your actual tax return that matters most to the IRS.
How to do it:
Reminder: Save this article to read offline later.
Log in to Your Intuit Account: Go to the TurboTax website (turbotax.intuit.com) and sign in to your account.
Access Account Settings:
Look for an option like "Intuit Account," "Account Settings," or "Profile" within your logged-in dashboard.
Typically, you'll find this near your user name or a settings icon.
Navigate to "Sign in & security" or "Profile":
You'll likely see sections for "Sign in & security" (for user ID, password, email, phone) and "Profile" (for name, date of birth, address, occupation).
Select "Profile" to update your name.
Edit Your Name:
Locate the field where your name is listed and click "Edit" or "Change."
Carefully enter your new legal name exactly as it appears on your updated Social Security card.
Save Changes: Be sure to save your changes to update your Intuit account.
Step 3: Changing Your Name on Your Current Tax Return (Before Filing)
This is the most crucial step for tax filing purposes. If you haven't yet filed your tax return for the current year, you can easily update your name within the TurboTax program itself.
How to do it (TurboTax Online):
Access Your Tax Return: Log in to your TurboTax account and open the tax return you are currently working on.
Go to "My Info" Section: On the left-hand navigation menu (or a similar prominent section), you'll typically find a "My Info" or "Personal Info" section. Click on it.
Update Your Personal Information:
You will see fields for your name, Social Security Number, date of birth, and other personal details.
Locate your name (both first and last name) and carefully update it to reflect your new legal name.
Double-check your SSN to ensure it's correct.
Review and Continue: After making the changes, click "Continue" or "Next" to save the updates and proceed with your tax preparation.
How to do it (TurboTax CD/Download Desktop Software):
Open Your Tax File: Launch your TurboTax desktop software and open the tax file you are working on.
Go to "Personal Info" or "My Info":
Look for a "Personal Info" tab, "My Info" section, or similar on the main navigation.
Sometimes, you might need to go to
View > Personal Informationfrom the top menu.
Edit Your Name:
Locate the fields for your name and update them to your new legal name.
Ensure your SSN is accurate.
Save Your Changes: Save your tax file after making the updates.
Important Considerations for Name Changes Before Filing:
Consistency is Key: Ensure the name you enter in TurboTax exactly matches the name on your updated Social Security card. Even minor discrepancies can cause issues.
W-2s and 1099s: If you received income documents (W-2s, 1099s) in your former name, you should still use your current legal name on your tax return, as long as it matches your SSA records. The IRS understands that there can be a lag in employer/payer systems. However, it's a good idea to contact your employer/payer to have them issue corrected forms (W-2C or corrected 1099s) for future tax years.
Step 4: What if You've Already Filed Your Return? (Amending Your Return)
If you've already e-filed or mailed your tax return with your old name, and it has been accepted by the IRS, you cannot simply go back into TurboTax and change your name. You will need to amend your tax return.
How to Amend Your Return with TurboTax:
Wait for Original Return Processing: Do not amend your return until your original return has been fully processed by the IRS and you've received your refund (if applicable). Amending a return before it's processed can cause significant complications.
Access Your Filed Return in TurboTax:
Log in to TurboTax and select the tax year you need to amend.
Look for an option like "Amend (year) Return" or "Amend a filed return."
Start the Amendment Process: Follow TurboTax's prompts to begin amending your return. It will guide you through the process of making corrections.
Navigate to Personal Information:
Within the amendment process, you'll need to go back to the "My Info" or "Personal Info" section.
Update your name to your new legal name, ensuring it matches your SSA records.
Review and Re-file:
TurboTax will generate a Form 1040-X (Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return).
Carefully review all the information on Form 1040-X. The main reason for amending is the name change, but verify everything else remains accurate.
You will generally need to print and mail your amended return (Form 1040-X) to the IRS. E-filing amended returns isn't always supported, or has specific limitations.
Important Notes for Amending:
Patience is Key: Amended returns take significantly longer for the IRS to process (typically 16 weeks or more).
No Monetary Change: If the name change is the only change you're making, it likely won't affect your tax liability or refund amount. However, it's still necessary for accurate record-keeping with the IRS.
State Returns: Remember to also check if you need to amend your state tax return for the name change. State tax agencies have their own procedures.
Tip: Read actively — ask yourself questions as you go.
Step 5: What if You Filed Jointly and One Spouse Changed Their Name?
If you filed a joint return and one spouse had a name change (e.g., due to marriage or divorce), the process is similar.
Before Filing:
The spouse with the name change must update their name with the SSA first.
When preparing the joint return in TurboTax, ensure the name for that spouse in the "My Info" section reflects their new legal name that matches their updated Social Security card.
The "primary taxpayer" designation usually doesn't need to change unless specifically desired, but if you're switching who is the primary taxpayer for the first time, you may need to clear your return and start over in some cases to avoid issues with prior year data.
After Filing (Amending):
If the joint return was already filed with the old name, you'll need to amend the return using Form 1040-X.
Follow the amendment steps outlined in Step 4, making sure to update the correct spouse's name.
FAQ: How to Change Name on TurboTax
Here are 10 frequently asked questions related to changing your name on TurboTax, with quick answers:
How to update my name on my TurboTax account?
You can update your name in your TurboTax account by logging in, navigating to your Intuit Account settings, then selecting the "Profile" section to edit your name and save the changes.
How to change my name on a TurboTax return before filing?
Tip: Pause whenever something stands out.
Go to the "My Info" or "Personal Info" section within your TurboTax return and directly edit the name fields to your new legal name, ensuring it matches your Social Security card.
How to amend a TurboTax return for a name change after filing?
You'll need to file Form 1040-X (Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return) through TurboTax's amendment feature after your original return has been processed. Update your name in the "Personal Info" section of the amended return.
How to ensure my new name matches IRS records?
Your new name must first be updated with the Social Security Administration (SSA). The IRS cross-references your tax return name with SSA records, so this is the crucial first step.
How to handle W-2s or 1099s with my old name?
File your tax return with your new legal name (as long as it matches your SSA records). Contact your employer/payer to request corrected forms for future tax years, but it typically won't impact the current filing if your SSA records are updated.
How to change my name in TurboTax if I just got married?
QuickTip: Focus on what feels most relevant.
First, update your name with the Social Security Administration. Then, when preparing your tax return in TurboTax, update your name in the "My Info" section to your new married name.
How to change my name in TurboTax after a divorce?
If your divorce is final and you've legally changed your name, update it with the Social Security Administration. For TurboTax, it's often recommended to start a new TurboTax account if you previously filed jointly, and then enter your new name in the "My Info" section of your individual return.
How to change the primary taxpayer's name on a joint return in TurboTax?
If you simply need to change the name of the primary taxpayer, follow the steps for changing your name before filing. If you're trying to switch who is the primary taxpayer (e.g., from spouse A to spouse B), and haven't paid or filed, clearing and starting over might be the easiest way to ensure correct historical data.
How to check if my name change with SSA has been processed?
You can contact the Social Security Administration directly or wait to receive your new Social Security card, which confirms the name change has been processed.
How to avoid rejections when changing my name on TurboTax?
The most effective way is to ensure your name on your tax return exactly matches the name on file with the Social Security Administration. Make sure you've updated your name with the SSA before filing your tax return.
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