Taxes and Name Change!

[QuestioningEverything]

So I've just legally change my name this month and just updated it with Social Security so my question is Im using turbotax and when it ask for personal info like name and SSN do I use my new name or my old name from 2015? also what about for direct deposit? I haven't changed my name with the bank yet as Im still waiting on my SSN Card to come in so I can start changing all my other stuff over, so do I use my old name for the direct deposit? Agh I want to get my taxes done really early this year but I dont know what information to use.

[Mariah]

File that which matches your Social security number. So if that info is updated then you file it under your legal name as it stands now because the IRS will already have that info on file despite the forms coming with your old name on them. Hugs
Mariah

[FTMax]

Hi, I just use H&R Block's online return system. All I did was change my name in there. I figure if there are any issues related to the name change, they'll ask. I changed my name in March, updated with SSA shortly after, and submitted my taxes yesterday. Everything was accepted by the feds and my state. If you haven't updated with SSA yet, I would submit your taxes under your old name, wait for your refund/see what you owe, and then go update with SSA.

As far as the bank/direct deposit, you would need to change your name at the bank first and then on the direct deposit form. But you can change your name at the bank with just the court order. They don't need to see anything from SSA.

[QuestioningEverything]

Thanks! I'll probably wait a few more weeks till all my info is updated just to make things less confusing.  Now next question, what Should I buy with my refund!  I should really just save it but I would really like to get either a PS4/Tablet or a new Tattoo!

[iKate]

When you update with SSA, IRS is also updated.

[FTMax]

Thanks! I'll probably wait a few more weeks till all my info is updated just to make things less confusing.  Now next question, what Should I buy with my refund!  I should really just save it but I would really like to get either a PS4/Tablet or a new Tattoo!

Haha, that is the real dilemma! This is the first year I'm getting a decent refund because of all my medical expenses. I feel like I should treat myself just this once

[Amy1988]

So I've just legally change my name this month and just updated it with Social Security so my question is Im using turbotax and when it ask for personal info like name and SSN do I use my new name or my old name from 2015? also what about for direct deposit? I haven't changed my name with the bank yet as Im still waiting on my SSN Card to come in so I can start changing all my other stuff over, so do I use my old name for the direct deposit? Agh I want to get my taxes done really early this year but I dont know what information to use.

I'm in the exact situation and I was wondering about taxes too. 

[Emileeeee]

I looked this up not too long ago and what I found was that you use your name associated with your SSN card, as others have stated. It also said that if your supporting documentation (W-2 and stuff) has the old name, to cross it off and write in your new name there. That doesn't really apply to TurboTax, but you are supposed to keep a local signed copy of each return, even if they're filed electronically.

[lisarenee]

I don't know about the first one, but as for the second, I had no issues with direct deposit while waiting for everything to be changed.

[oneoftwo]

What about changing the name on bank accounts ?   How does that work ?

[Tysilio]

Bank accounts were very straightforward for me. I took my name change order to the bank and one of the staff made a copy of it and changed the name on my accounts. Then I had to sign my new name a bunch of times. Done. This was in MN, but I can't imagine why it would be different in other places.

It took a week or so for the new bank card to come -- no big deal, and then, oh, the joy of not getting funny looks any more when I gave it to cashiers and the name was all wrong for the face...

[jessical]

When you change your name at the Bank you can request that deposits to the old name will still make it through.

[lisarenee]

What about changing the name on bank accounts ?   How does that work ?

My primary bank doesn't have any branches where I live now (opened it when I lived with my parents), while my secondary does (and gave me $150 for opening the account and making sufficient direct deposits). On my court date, I got finished by 9 something in court and headed directly to Social Security, which I got out of about lunch time. The secondary bank had a branch right around the corner from Social Security, so I stopped in with my court order and they changed the name on my account (before heading to lunch) and mailed me a new card which arrived about a week later.

When I next visited my family, I went to my primary bank and changed my name there also. Same process (showed court order and new DL which I had by that point), except they printed a temporary debit card for me with the new name on the spot and I received my permanent card by mail maybe a week later.

OTOH, I still have an account (with a very small amount in it) at a local credit union that was opened when I was a teenager. Since my mother's name is also on the account (as I was a minor when it was opened), they would not let me change my name without her coming down and signing something. I keep forgetting to have her go down to the bank when I visit, so that account has not been changed.

Unfortunately, one thing I have noticed is that credit cards can be a lot more hassle. Even those credit cards issued by your bank require you to mail a request with documentation to an office in another state usually because credit and banking are different divisions or some such. It would be so much easier if they just let us change all our credit cards at the bank also.