When you have your name legally changed how do you inform IRS ?

Answer 1

When you change it with SSA, it is automatic.  IRS goes by name listed with SSA.

Answer 2

You don't.

Update your name with the Social Security Administration and that's it. The IRS cross references against the SSA database, so if social security has your new name, then the IRS has it as well.

The IRS bases all of their work on your social security number anyway. Your name is just used as one (of many) ways for them to detect fraud. Since people are highly unlikely to misspell their own name or the name of a spouse or dependent, they can weed out fraud by simply cross-checking social security numbers against names. This also helps prevent people from filing fraudulent tax returns by just putting random SS numbers on a return and hoping it goes through as valid.

If you file a tax return shortly after changing your name you may need to file using your previous name if the SSA database is not yet updated.

Answer 3

You let the SSA know about it. Their records are connected to the IRS records. In any case, the SSN does not change, so they can always figure out who you are.

Answer 4

You change your name with social security and that takes car of th IRS too.