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Level 2
February 5, 2020
Question

Changing filing status

  • February 5, 2020
  • 1 reply
  • 3 views

My husband and I were going to file separately since we are recently married and have no assets together. He filed last week while I was waiting to get the rest of my paperwork. I went to file mine and because I have a 1098-T it will not allow me to file married filing separately. I do not know how to proceed.

    1 reply

    MaryK4
    Level 15
    February 5, 2020

    When you file as Married Filing Separately, you can not claim any education credits/deductions- you can choose not to claim the credit and leave off the 1098-T or you could file jointly with your spouse.

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    Level 2
    February 5, 2020

    That information we have figured out. How can I file jointly with my spouse if he has already filed separately  and been accepted?

    Level 15
    February 5, 2020

    You will have to wait for his return to be fully processed and then you can amend his return to be a joint return for both of you.  That way you will be able to claim your education credit.  

     

    How do I amend my 2019 TurboTax Online return?

     

    The 1040X becomes available later in February, so you have to wait for it.  If your return is still being processed now, it would not be a good idea to amend yet anyhow.  Sending in an amended return while they are still processing your original return could cause confusion that would delay your refund for months.

     

    Check back later for the 1040X.   AFTER your return has been fully processed.

     

    A 1040X cannot be e-filed.  It must be printed and mailed.  It will take about 4 months for the IRS to process an amended return.  It is a good idea to use a mailing service that will track it, like UPS or certified mail, so you will know it was received.

    Wait about 3 weeks from mailing and you can check the status of your amended return:

    https://www.irs.gov/Filing/Individuals/Amended-Returns-(Form-1040-X)/Wheres-My-Amended-Return-1

     

    https://www.irs.gov/filing/individuals/amended-returns-form-1040-x/amended-return-frequently-asked-questions

     

    Post back here if you need help with amending,

     

    https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899507-how-do-i-amend-a-separate-return-to-married-filing-jointly

    **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.**