Florida Tax Attorney Blog

This past Labor Day weekend, I married my college sweetheart (go Canes!) in Vero Beach, Florida!

My husband's parents kicked off the weekend with an exquisite rehearsal dinner at the Vero Beach Hotel & Spa. On Saturday afternoon, we married at Holy Cross Catholic Church, a charming Florida church situated within an enclave of aged oak trees. Following the mass, my parents hosted an enchanting soiree at the Orchid Island Beach Club.

But like all good things, our fairytale wedding weekend eventually came to an end. Now, it's time to take care of some business items so that the IRS doesn't disturb our matrimonial bliss this tax season.

1. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER. The name on your tax return must match the name registered to your social security number. Use Form SS-5 to change your name with the Social Security Administration.

   This form must be supported by evidence of: (1) your age; (2) your identity; (3) your citizenship; and (4) your legal name change. An original or certified copy of your birth certificate can be used to prove your age and your U.S. citizenship; a passport may be accepted as an alternative. (Non-citizens must provide evidence of their immigration status). A driver's license or a passport can be used to prove your identity. Your marriage license can be used to prove your legal name change.

   Take or mail the completed Form SS-5, together with the supporting documentation to your local Social Security office. This form must be filled out using blue or black ink.

   All honeymoon reservations should be made using your maiden name. It typically takes several weeks for the marriage license to arrive in the mail, so you will not be able to obtain a new passport or driver's license in time for the honeymoon.
   

2. DRIVER'S LICENSE. Because your driver's license is your primary form of identification, you must also change your name on your driver's license. Most DMVs will issue a new driver's license upon presentation of the marriage certificate (i.e. from the church), but some will require a certified copy of the marriage license (i.e. from the State). Check with your local DMV before you go for its requirements. You will also need to bring your current driver's license.
3. CHANGE OF ADDRESS. Notify the U.S. Postal Service of any address change so that it may forward any mail from the IRS (e.g., refund checks, letters) by completing the Postal Service's official change of address form. The Postal Service will usually notify the IRS of your new address, but it is a good idea to notify the IRS directly of any address change by completing a Form 8822.
4. INFORM YOUR EMPLOYER OF NAME AND ADDRESS CHANGES. It is important to inform your employer of any name and address changes so that the information on your W-2s correspond with the name registered to your social security number and used on your tax return and so that you timely receive your W-2.
5. ENSURE CORRECT WITHHOLDING. Your newly combined incomes and marital status may subject you and your spouse to a higher or lower tax bracket. Ensure that your employers are making correct withholdings for federal taxes so that you do not end up overpaying or owing significant tax in excess of withholding. Check out the IRS Withholding Calculator to determine the correct amount of withholding.
   

SOURCES:

• IRS Summer Tax Tip: Advice to Newlyweds
• Social Security Administration FAQ: How to Change a Name on a Social Security Card