Filed as single, should have filed joint return. Help!

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Filed my return as usual, but recently married. Wife has not yet filed. We should be married filing jointly but I filed single. What should we do? If she files a joint return will mine be rejected?

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xmasbaby0Answer

Level 15

you should not delay since the new amount you owe , if any, is due by April 18th.

@PatinWA

@PatinWA Fanfare is correct. The return that has to be amended is your return. You already put your SSN on that return. Your spouse cannot prepare a joint return using your SSN, because it will be rejected.

When you amend:

When you enter your own information in My Info, you have to answer the question "Were you married?" If you click the button for Married, then a drop down will appear that asks, "Do you want to file this return together with your spouse?" Then you choose yes to file a joint return. You would then enter your spouse's information into My Info. Whenever you are entering income information there should then be a spot for you and for your spouse's income information. Income screens will have spots with each spouse’s name—be careful to enter under the correct names.

Your spouse will not file a return at all. All of her information goes on the Form 1040X that you prepare and file as a joint return.

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**