How to Change Your Name on a Federal Tax ID

What you need to do to change your name on your EIN or SSN for tax purposes

If your legal name has changed—through marriage, divorce, court order, or any other reason—you need to update it with the IRS so your tax records match your identity documents. The process differs depending on whether you have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for a business or you're updating the name tied to your Social Security Number (SSN) for personal taxes.

For an EIN, you file Form SS-4 with the IRS and specify your new legal name. For personal income tax, you update your SSN record with Social Security first, then notify the IRS. Both processes are free and take several weeks. The key is doing this before you file your next tax return so your return matches the name on file with the IRS.

Key Takeaways

If you own a business with an EIN, file Form SS-4 with the IRS to update your business name or the name of the person responsible for the EIN.
For personal taxes, update your name with Social Security Administration first, then the IRS will sync the change automatically within a few weeks.
You must use your current legal name on your next tax return, so make these changes before filing season if possible.
Name changes due to marriage, divorce, or court order all follow the same process—the reason for the change does not affect the steps.
Mismatched names between your tax return and IRS records can delay refunds and trigger notices, so updating early prevents problems later.

Updating an EIN after a name change

If you have a business EIN and your name or your business name has changed, you file Form SS-4 (process for an Employer Identification Number) with the IRS. You do not need a new EIN—you are updating the existing one. On the form, enter your current legal name in the "Name of applicant" field and your new business name (if applicable) in the "Business name" field. Check the box that says "Change" under "Reason for explore" and explain the name change in the space provided.

Mail the completed Form SS-4 to the IRS address listed in the form instructions for your state, or fax it if your state has a fax number listed. Processing takes about four weeks. You will receive a confirmation letter with your EIN and updated name on file. Keep this letter with your tax records. Once the IRS processes the change, use your new legal name on all future tax documents, payroll records, and business filings.

If you are unsure whether you need to file Form SS-4 or if your situation is more complex—for example, if you changed your name and also changed the business structure—call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 before filing. They can confirm what form you need and answer questions about your specific case.

Updating your name for personal income tax

For personal taxes, your name is tied to your Social Security Number. The IRS pulls your name from Social Security Administration records, so you must update Social Security first. Go to your local Social Security office with your birth certificate, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of your legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You can find your nearest office at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.

Social Security will issue you a new card with your updated name and the same SSN. This process usually takes one to two weeks. After Social Security updates their records, the IRS automatically syncs the change within a few weeks—you do not need to file a separate form with the IRS for a personal name change. However, you should wait until you receive your new Social Security card before filing your next tax return to avoid delays.

If you file your tax return before the name change reaches the IRS system, your return may be rejected or flagged for review. The IRS will eventually match it to your updated name, but this causes delays in processing refunds. To avoid this, file your return only after Social Security has updated your name and you have your new card in hand.

What documents you need for a name change

The documents required depend on which agency you are updating. For Social Security, you need proof of your legal name change. A marriage certificate works if you took your spouse's name. A divorce decree or court order works for other name changes. You also need your original birth certificate (or certified copy) and a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. If your ID still shows your old name, bring it anyway—Social Security will accept it as proof of your previous identity.

For an EIN name change, you do not need to submit documents with Form SS-4. The IRS accepts your written statement on the form that your name has changed. However, keep your legal name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) in your business records in case the IRS asks for proof later.

Timeline and what to expect after you file

Social Security processes name changes in one to two weeks once you visit in person. The IRS then syncs the change from Social Security records within a few weeks after that. For an EIN name change filed by mail, expect four weeks for processing. If you fax Form SS-4, processing may be slightly faster, though the IRS does not may provide a specific timeline for faxed forms.

After Social Security updates your name, you will receive a new Social Security card in the mail. This card has your updated name and the same SSN. The IRS does not send a separate confirmation of a personal name change—you straightforward see the updated name reflected in your IRS account if you have one set up at irs.gov, or you will see it on your next tax notice or refund.

For an EIN change, the IRS sends a confirmation letter to the address you provided on Form SS-4. This letter shows your EIN and your updated name on file. File this letter with your business records. If you do not receive a confirmation within six weeks, call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 to check the status.

Common mistakes that delay the process

The most common mistake is filing a tax return with your new name before the IRS has updated its records. This causes the return to be rejected or flagged, which delays any refund. Always wait until Social Security has processed your name change and you have your new card before filing. Another mistake is not updating your name with Social Security at all and only notifying the IRS. The IRS pulls names from Social Security, so if Social Security still has your old name, the IRS will too.

For business owners, a frequent error is assuming you need a new EIN when your name changes. You do not—file Form SS-4 to update the existing EIN. Getting a new EIN unnecessarily creates confusion with your business records, payroll, and tax history. Similarly, do not assume a name change requires you to re-register your business with your state. A name change on your federal tax ID is separate from state business registration, though you may need to update your state records separately depending on your state's rules.

If your name change was recent and you need to file taxes soon

If your name changed recently and tax season is approaching, prioritize updating Social Security first. Visit your local Social Security office as soon as possible and ask how long processing typically takes in your area—some offices are faster than others. Once you have your new Social Security card, you can file your tax return. If the IRS has not yet synced the change from Social Security, your return may still process, but it could take longer.

If you cannot get your Social Security card updated before you need to file, you can file your return using your new legal name and include a note explaining that you recently changed your name and Social Security is processing the update. Include a copy of your legal name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) with your return. This alerts the IRS to the discrepancy and prevents your return from being rejected outright. However, this approach still causes delays, so updating Social Security first is always the better option if timing allows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a new EIN if I changed my name?

No. You keep the same EIN and file Form SS-4 to update your name on that EIN. A new EIN is only needed if you change your business structure (for example, from sole proprietor to LLC) or if you start a completely separate business. A name change alone does not require a new EIN.

What if I changed my name but haven't updated Social Security yet?

Update Social Security before filing your next tax return. If you file before updating, your return may be rejected or delayed because the IRS will not recognize the name. Visit your local Social Security office with your legal name change document and photo ID to start the process.

How long does it take for the IRS to recognize my name change?

After Social Security updates your name, the IRS typically syncs the change within a few weeks. For an EIN name change filed on Form SS-4, the IRS takes about four weeks to process. Do not file your tax return until the change is complete to avoid delays.

Can I file my tax return with my new name if the IRS still has my old name?

You should file with your new legal name on your return. If the IRS has not yet updated its records, include a copy of your legal name change document with your return to explain the discrepancy. This prevents rejection, but processing will still take longer than if the names matched.

What if I lost my marriage certificate or divorce decree?

Contact the court or vital records office in the county where the document was issued and request a certified copy. This usually costs between ten and fifty dollars and takes one to two weeks. You need this document to update Social Security, so order it early if your name change is recent.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.