Name Change due to Marriage and Tax Q

[rxonyc]

hi guys. new Qs.
1。Just got married. Thinking about taking my husband's surname(he's a total foreigner. never step into state so far in his life.). I suppose this means that I have to change all my legal and official records in US (SS info. /passport/naturalization certificate/diploma。。。) as well as overseas (I'm currently working in China and it requires working visa under legal name on US passport). I'm already freaked out by listing all these items. Any shortcut or name change package thing?
2。Tax season's coming soon (real soon). Which category should I file? jointly?separately?since my husband is a total foreigner and we are living outside US。
Thanks in advanced.

 

[Jackolantern]

You would need to change your US passport and update Social Security with your new name. The passport can surely be changed via the US consulate in China, and I think you can also update Social Security with the assistance of the consulate.

You don't need to change your naturalization certificate, but if you leave it unchanged, it means that when using the certificate you would need to also show your marriage certificate (with a certified English translation of it, if the original is in Chinese) as proof of your name change.

You also need to change your bank accounts and driver's license.

There is no shortcut; each thing must be changed one by one.

However, as far as the Chinese visa requirements are concerned, that's a whole different ball of wax and it may make sense for you to keep your original name until you move out of China, if the name change is going to complicate things with your visa.

2. I don't think your husband being a non-American living outside the US controls the separately vs. jointly decision, because you are living with him. You can still choose either. But it would affect whether he is treated as a resident or nonresident for US tax purposes. See IRS publication 519.

 

[rxonyc]

Great answers! Real helpful! Thanks!
Just updated my marital status with consulate. For name change, although I'm still a little uncertain about Natz Cert, I think you are totally right about the Chinese Visa thing. Making name change after I move back to US seems better choice.
For Tax, I'm wondering if I can still file as single for 2009 tax year since I got married in Dec.2009 and remained single for almost the entire 2009?
Comments?