If you got divorced in 2011, you're probably looking forward to a much less complicated year ahead. While fresh starts are good, there may be some work left to do. Now that tax time is upon us, there are a few loose ends you'll need to tie up so you can fully put your divorce behind you.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. If you divorced and went back to your maiden name, you may run into problems if you don't notify the Social Security Administration. That's because Internal Revenue Service computers can't automatically match your new last name (even if it was your name a long time ago) with your Social Security number. This is important not just for the sake of this year's tax return, but for your entire Social Security record. Not fixing this now could affect how much you get in benefits once you reach retirement age and attempt to collect.

2. If you remarried, you'll also need to notify the SSA.

3. Contacting the SSA is easy. Just file a Form SS-5, aka Application for a Social Security Card, at a local SSA office or by mail. You'll need to provide a recently issued document as proof that you legally changed your name. The form is available on the SSA's website and at local offices. Your new card will have your new name with your old number.

4. Perhaps you got married and adopted your spouse's children and their names changed. If so, you'll need to update their Social Security records, too. For adopted children without Social Security numbers, parents can apply for an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number by filing Form W-7A, Application for Taxpayer Identification Number for Pending U.S. Adoptions in the United States. The ATIN is a temporary number for tax filing purposes. You can get it the same way you get other Social Security forms.

Source: Lahontan Valley News, "TAX TIP: Five Tips for Recently Married or Divorced Taxpayers with a Name Change," Feb. 6, 2012