Summer is definitely a popular time for weddings.  There are many decisions couples must make while planning for this big event.  Besides choices including flavor of the cake, flowers and dress styles, couples must determine if they are going to retain their last names or adopt new ones.  If the choice to change names is made, it is important to ensure that the name on your income tax return matches the name registered with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Newly married individuals who take their spouses’ last names should notify the SSA as soon as possible after the wedding day.  The same is true if both spouses hyphenate their last names.  Otherwise, the IRS will not be able to match new names with the respective social security numbers when a married couple files their income tax return.

Informing the SSA of a name change can be done by completing Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card at your local SSA office.  Form SS-5 is available on the SSA web site at www.socialsecurity.gov.  It can take about two weeks to have the change verified.