Amended Returns

[mzbf71]

I e-filed my taxes as married filing joint, but I want to change the filing status to married filing separate.  Do I amend the original return with a paper copy and then e-file a new return for my spouse as married filing separately?

[SweetieJean]

Are you sure you want to do that?  It costs a lot more taxwise, and there are special issues if you are in a Community Property State.

[MinhT1]

You can amend a return to change from married filling separate to married filing joint but not from married filing joint to married filing separate unless you do so prior to the original filling deadline without extensions. So, once you file a joint return you can not change it to a separate return if the filing deadline has already passed.

Please read this TurboTax article for more information.

You should amend the MFJ return by deleting all your spouse's income and deductions, then change the filing status from MFJ to MFS.

Please see this TurboTax FAQ for instructions on how to amend your tax return in TurboTax.

Your spouse must then file a new return as MFS.

Please note that in almost all situations, it is more beneficial to file Married Filing Jointly than Married Filing Separately.

Please read this TurboTax Help topic for more information.