It's that time of year again. Tax season is in full swing. If you divorced your spouse last year and changed your last name, there are some things you may need to do differently when filing your taxes this year. The IRS doesn't automatically recognize your name change, unless you have filed the proper paperwork.

Sometimes tax filing can be worked out in a divorce decree, but changing a name after the divorce is final might add a few more steps to filing taxes other than those outlined in the decree. Since we live in a digital world, and many taxes are filed electronically, the IRS computers need to be able to match your name and Social Security number.

Fortunately, the paperwork for this change is quite simple. The form is available on the IRS website, and is called the SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card. You may want to discuss the change and your tax filing status with a divorce attorney and your accountant. They will be able to explain to you how your tax filing status changes after a divorce.

Filing incorrect papers with the IRS and Social Security Administration can cause complications, confusion and delay your tax return filing. Everything needs to match in order for the government to process your return. Speaking with a divorce attorney can help you understand how filing for divorce will influence or change your tax filing status. They can also help work a tax payment plan into a divorce decree to ensure each partner pays their part.

Source: Patch, "5 Tips for Recently Married or Divorced Taxpayers With a Name Change," Jan. 30, 2012