If you have been married, divorced, or changed your name for any reason in the past year, remember to file a name change application before preparing next year’s tax return . The IRS automatically does a name match on the first letters of your last name.

The problem

If the name on your tax return does not match the name registered with the Social Security Administration for your Social Security number, here is what could happen:

• Your tax return may be rejected when you try to file electronically
• The IRS automatically accepts your income as taxable, but then denies any deductions
• You may receive a notice from the IRS stating taxes owed and penalties for underpayment.

Here’s what you can do

Before filing your tax return, go to www.ssa.gov and follow the instructions with the name change and file it as soon as possible.

Also inform your employer. Double-check the W-2 you receive to ensure the change was made correctly. If the change is made on your W-2, you must ensure that it is also changed with the Social Security Administration.

If you are planning a large financial transaction in the near future, you may want to adjust the timing of the transaction or the timing of the name change to avoid complications.

Don’t forget to also change your name on other important documents such as title deeds, driver’s licenses, property deeds, bank accounts, loan agreements, beneficiary documents and other accounts .

If you are unable to change the name on time, use the name registered with the Social Security Administration and with your employer when filing taxes to avoid automatic notification of a name mismatch .

Be careful, this process is not as simple as before. You must now provide proof of citizenship and submit documents showing original and new names. Spend time reviewing the name change process and plan accordingly.

James Angell is a certified public accountant based in Willits. His office is located at 461 S. Main St. and he can be reached at 707-459-4205.