Changing your married name? Expect a mound of paperwork

Los Angeles Times - Mar 22nd, 2025
Open on Los Angeles Times

The article addresses three distinct financial scenarios faced by individuals, providing guidance on navigating name changes, Social Security benefits, and potential tax implications from home sales. In the first scenario, a woman considering dropping her married name would need to undergo significant paperwork to change her legal identification, including Social Security, driver's license, and other official documents. This process might require a court order and involves fees that vary by location. In the second scenario, a change in the Social Security Fairness Act allows a woman who worked in government jobs, and thus was previously ineligible, to apply for spousal benefits after being married for at least one continuous year. The act repeals provisions that previously reduced benefits for individuals with non-Social Security pensions.

In the third scenario, a couple planning to sell their home and rent are informed of potential capital gains taxes on the sale. If they have lived in the home for at least two of the last five years, they may exclude up to $250,000 (or $500,000 for married couples filing jointly) from capital gains taxes. However, exceeding this limit could impact their Medicare costs in the future. The article emphasizes the importance of consulting a tax professional to comprehend the financial implications of the sale, including potential effects on future Medicare premiums. Liz Weston, a Certified Financial Planner, provides expert advice and answers to these and other financial inquiries through her column.

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RATING

7.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive and accurate overview of legal name changes, Social Security benefits, and capital gains taxes, making it a valuable resource for individuals navigating these processes. It scores highly in accuracy, clarity, and readability, ensuring that complex topics are presented in an understandable manner. However, the article could benefit from improved source quality and transparency by providing more detailed citations and context. While it addresses topics of public interest, its potential for engagement and controversy is limited due to its straightforward informational nature. Overall, the article effectively informs readers but could enhance its impact and engagement by incorporating more diverse perspectives and actionable advice.

RATING DETAILS

9
Accuracy

The story is largely accurate, providing detailed information on legal name changes, Social Security benefits, and capital gains taxes. The claim that changing your name involves updating identification cards such as Social Security cards, driver's licenses, and passports is correct. The article accurately states that notifying Social Security before filing taxes is necessary, as the IRS uses these records for verification. The explanation of the Social Security Fairness Act is also precise, noting the repeal of the windfall elimination provision and the government pension offset. However, specific details such as the exact process time and fees for a name change in California, while generally correct, could vary slightly depending on the jurisdiction.

8
Balance

The article maintains a balanced perspective by addressing multiple aspects of the issues discussed, such as name changes, Social Security benefits, and capital gains taxes. It provides a comprehensive view of the processes involved without showing favoritism or bias toward any particular viewpoint. However, the article could have included additional perspectives or experiences from individuals who have undergone these processes to provide a more rounded view. Overall, the article is fair and balanced in its presentation.

9
Clarity

The article is well-structured and clear, with a logical flow that guides the reader through each topic. The language is straightforward and easy to understand, making complex legal and financial processes accessible to a general audience. The tone is neutral and informative, contributing to the overall clarity of the piece. The article effectively communicates the necessary information without overwhelming the reader with jargon or unnecessary details.

7
Source quality

The article relies on information that is generally considered reliable, such as processes outlined by government agencies like the Social Security Administration. However, it lacks direct citations or references to specific documents or experts, which would enhance the credibility of the information presented. The article could benefit from citing authoritative sources or including expert opinions to strengthen its reliability and authority.

6
Transparency

The article provides clear explanations of the processes involved in name changes, Social Security benefits, and capital gains taxes. However, it does not disclose the sources of its information or any potential conflicts of interest. The article could improve transparency by explaining the methodology behind the claims made and providing more context on how the information was gathered or verified.

Sources

  1. https://www.taxesforexpats.com/articles/family-matters/how-to-change-your-name-after-marriage-with-the-irs.html
  2. https://albanyherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/031525-ABH-A01-A12.pdf
  3. https://www.theknot.com/content/name-change-101
  4. https://albanyherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/030825-ABH-A01-B12.pdf
  5. https://blog.hitchswitch.com/2024/02/12/navigating-the-name-change-process-after-marriage/