Myth or truth - taxes for those who've changed their name

[tgchar21]

I'm a non-TG who has posted here for other reasons, but I'd like you TG/TSs who have transitioned and changed your first names to help settle a myth that a friend of mine has. She says that anyone who's changed their name must list their previous names as aliases or akas on all future tax forms. The (U.S. IRS) form 1040 and all the related ones doesn't ask for them anywhere I've seen, so what is she talking about? Maybe she's thinking of either the first year filing after the name change, or the result of a "common law" name change that the federal government often does not fully recognize. Also, she says the same thing about U.S. passports that after you change your name will list previous names in them; if you have first-hand experience (as in you have obtained a U.S. passport after changing your name) mention if that's truth or fiction.

[Janet_Girl]

I changed my name in 2008, and registered it with the Social Security Administration.  And Since then I have filed my taxes under my new name.  I have never been sent any kind of letter.

[tgchar21]

Thanks Janet Lynn! I think what she is referring to is either some kind of obscure form that only certain specialists would use or what might happen if you try to do a "common law" name change (from those I've asked who have changed their names by marriage or court document the alias situation hasn't happened). Maybe this is another reason why it's strongly recommended that a TS change his/her name via a court order even if their state allows a DL change without one.

[ToriJo]

I've never listed any name but my wife's current name on our tax forms.  Never had an issue (it is her name, after all).

The key is that your name must match Social Security's records.  This is the same whether first or last name that is changed.  So notify SSA and don't worry about it - use your name on the taxes.

[Pinkfluff]

Just filed my return the other day and there is no space anywhere for previous names. Heh not like job applications... As long as what you put on the form matches what the SSA has on file it won't be an issue. If you file online it's probably handled completely by their computers anyway.