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What to Do About a Wrong Name on Your Tax Return

1 min read

1 min read


If your return has been rejected due to the wrong name being on the tax return, you’ll need to take steps to verify the information and, if necessary, correct the issue.

Steps to Handle an IRS Name Change

Before doing anything else, make sure the information you entered into the online product was correct:

  1. At the top of your navigation screen, choose Federal.
  2. Choose Review or Edit Information I’ve Already Entered, then Next.
  3. Go to Your Info.
  4. Verify your name, Social Security number (SSN), and date of birth there.

If you changed or corrected your personal information, you should re-file your return.

IRS Rejected Tax Return Due to a Wrong Name on File

If you don’t see the wrong name on the tax return, or if the other personal information you find listed is also correct, then the reason for the rejection is likely an issue that involves the IRS and the Social Security Administration (SSA). It could be that these two agencies don’t have matching information about your name, SSN, or date of birth. To move forward with your return, you’ll need to ask both of these agencies to fix the issue. You can reach them by calling:

  • IRS — 800-829-1040
  • SSA — 800-772-1213

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