If you legally change your name because of marriage or any other reason, you must tell the Social Security Administration so that you can receive a new Social Security card with your correct name. Make sure to do this before you file your tax return.
The IRS uses your Social Security number as your taxpayer identification number. If a name on your tax return (yours or that of your spouse or a dependent) does not exactly match the name associated with that Social Security number, the IRS will reject your return. Of course, if you retain your maiden name when you marry, you won’t need to notify the Social Security Administration.
To change your name on your Social Security card, use Form SS-5: Application for a Social Security Card, which you can download from the Social Security Administration Web site at www.ssa.gov. Take your completed application to your local Social Security office. You must also include a recently issued original document, such as a marriage certificate, as proof of your legal name change. You’ll need to provide original documents. The Social Security Administration won’t accept photocopies.
If you change your name as a result of marriage, divorce, or annulment, you must also provide an identity document that shows your old name, and a recent photograph or other identifying information. For more information and a list of acceptable documents, visit www.ssa.gov.