Marriage or Divorce ? Check Your Social Security Number

Newlyweds and the recently divorced should make sure that names on their tax returns match those registered with the Social Security Administration (SSA). A mismatch between a name on the tax return and a Social Security number (SSN) could unexpectedly increase a tax bill or reduce the size of any refund.

For newlyweds, the tax scenario can begin when the bride says "I do" and takes her husband's surname, but doesn't tell the SSA about the name change. If the couple files a joint tax return with her new name, the IRS computers will not be able to match the new name with the SSN. This could result in tax assessments or even an audit since the IRS may be under the impression that you are simply evading taxes.

Similarly, after a divorce, a woman who had taken her husband's name and had made that change known to the SSA should contact the SSA if she reassumes a previous name. Failure to take this action can lead to audits. Can you imagine going through an audit with your former spouse?

It's easy to inform the SSA of a name change by filing Form SS-5 at a local SSA office. It usually takes two weeks to have the change verified. The form is available on the agency's Web site, www.ssa.gov, by calling toll free 1-800-772-1213 and at local offices. The SSA Web site provides the addresses of local offices.

Richard Chapo is CEO of http://www.businesstaxrecovery.com - Obtaining tax refunds for small businesses by finding overlooked tax deductions and credits through a free tax return review.

---

Understanding Basic Tax Terms

If your like many, you don't always understand what people... Read More

Access to E-records by Taxing Authorities: A Case for Pakistan (Part I)

Background issues of access to recordsTo assess the records at... Read More

Small Businesses: Company Car Vs. Personal Mileage Reimbursement In Hurricane Katrinas Wake

With gas prices at an all time high before Hurricane... Read More

Need an Offshore Sales Office in a Tax Free Environment?

The 100 year old investment-banking firm of... Read More

How to Donate Your Car to Charity and Get Tax Deduction

Donating your used car to charity is a win-win situation;... Read More

Section 179 ? Tax Relief From Depreciation Rules

"Depreciation." For business owners, this word is the one most... Read More

Tax Tips to Save Money on Taxes - Get the Corporate Kick and Save Loads of Money

Why a Corporation Helps Save You TaxesThe Tax Rates (Notice... Read More

How To Set Up A Tax-Saving Bookkeeping System

One of the most important, but least understood or appreciated... Read More

Small Business Tax Deductions for Year End 2004

As a small business owner, it's wise to familiarize yourself... Read More

Tax Deduction for Alimony Payments? - Yes!

Over 50% of marriages end in divorce in the United... Read More

How To Get An Instant Pay Raise

As a gentleman was leaving my class recently, he wanted... Read More

Euro Tax Haven Threat

Media reporting of a new EU savings tax directive has... Read More

Tax Tips - Which Tax Form Is Right For Me?

IRS Tax forms can be confusing.Am I a 1099 or... Read More

The Implications of Income Tax Charge on Estate Planning

OverviewIn the Pre-Budget Report of December 2003 the Chancellor Gordon... Read More

Slash Tax when Buying a Business

When buying a business, how the "purchase price" is made... Read More

The Internet Tax Man Cometh

Q: I was contacted by the city tax collector to... Read More

History Of The Federal Income Tax

The powers of Congress, and the limitations set upon those... Read More

1031 Exchange Rules and Requirements

Following is a reproduction of the IRS's rules and requirements... Read More

Business Tax Deductions

As we enter mid-March, taxpayers begin to become very interested... Read More

Alas! In E-Commerce Taxland

In trying to comply with tax laws for your e-business,... Read More

Get Uncle Sam To Pay $36,000 For Your Childs Education!

Let's assume that you would like to begin saving for... Read More

Tax Deductions - Mr. C.P.A. Can I Deduct a Pizza? You Too Can Deduct Your Fun By Using Tax Tips

Recently, I stumbled across a concept that could change your... Read More

Keeping Your Own Money ? NOT Handing It Over To The Taxman

Most people trying to make a crust online (or offline... Read More

Income Tax Returns Your Accountant Should Not File

You've been feeling uneasy (perhaps even guilty) because you've failed... Read More

Need a Copy of Your Tax Return Information?

Taxpayers have two easy and convenient options for getting copies... Read More

Corporations Failing To Claim AMT Exemption Overpay Taxes By $11,000

Does your incorporated business pay alternative minimum tax ["AMT]? If... Read More

Employment Taxes ? What Are They?

If you have employees, you are responsible for paying a... Read More

Tax Reduction Tips

In the rush to get tax returns prepared and filed... Read More

Understanding Marketing Tax Deductions

Marketing is a necessary expense in running practically any business... Read More

Tax Reform, My Way

We need real tax reform and we need it now.... Read More

IRS Certifies 2006 Toyota Hybrid for Clean Fuel Deduction

The Internal Revenue Service has certified the 2006 Toyota Highlander... Read More

How Likely Are You To Be Audited?

Statistics for IndividualsUnfortunately, the IRS increased its rate of auditing... Read More

How to Reduce the Estate Tax Using the A-B Revocable Living Trust

In a past article I relayed the plight of the... Read More