Last name too long , is that a problem?

snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com (jetro) posted:

Your last name must have also been too long for the Social Security computer software, also. IRS will kick back anything which does not match the information available ... and they use the Social Security Administration files for matching names to SSN's.

So your name as e-filed must match with the name on your SS card. Now, there are some minor issues that get overlooked, like a full middle name spelled out on the card, but shifted to a middle initial; however, shortening the last name significantly from what was used when your SS# was assigned, would be a no-no.

I'm trying to imagine what could cause this ... and the only things which pop into my mind, are marriage and a name change. If either has occurred, you should promptly advise the SSA folks, as well as the IRS.

TaxWise, the software IRS provides for VITA and TaxAide assistance, permits 22 characters. If your name is longer, the problem of fitting it into a software field probably came up previously. Just make sure the solution is agreed to by SSA and IRS.

If there's any doubt in your mind -- or if this issue has never arisen previously, you could ask your accountant for a copy of the e-filing correspondence which confirmed acceptance of your return. Then, keep it on file with your records.

Bill

Probably not now, could be with future IRS IT upgrades. IRS used to match only the "name control" which is the first four letters of the surname. I doubt that this has been expanded to more than four letters, given the limitations of the already overloaded IRS computers.

See Error Reject Code 0500 in the following:

thanks for the prompt response Bill and Paultry, I guess i should go back to my accountant and get this thing squared out. I did not really like it when he said he was going to shorten my last name,. that never occurred before.

thanks for the help. God Bless.

========================================= MODERATOR'S COMMENT: Please delete unnecessary text from the prior message when responding.

It appears that the SSN + first 4 characters of the last name is all the look for (Name Control).

Verifying Taxpayer Identification Numbers

..Additionally, the TINs for taxpayers, spouses, and dependents are identified by a Name Control. A Name Control is the first four significant letters of an individual taxpayer¹s last name as recorded by the Social Security Administration (SSA) or the first four letters/ numbers of a business name. Having the wrong Name Control associated with a taxpayer¹s TIN contributes to a large portion of TIN-related rejects. The most common example for a return rejecting due to a mismatch between a taxpayer¹s TIN and Name Control involves newly married taxpayers. Typically, the taxpayer may file using a correct SSN along with the name used in the marriage, but the taxpayer has failed to update the records with the SSA to reflect a name change."