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

[PatinWA]

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?

[xmasbaby0]

"recently married..." 

Were you married before the end of 2022?

[PatinWA]

Yes July 2022

[fanfare]

If you filed Single,

You amend your return to MFJ and put her income on the amendment.

She does not file since 1040-X will have her name and signature as spouse.

@PatinWA 

[fanfare]

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

@PatinWA 

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

@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.   

[PatinWA]

Thank you.  I have read that I must wait until the IRS has accepted my electronically submitted return, is that correct?

[xmasbaby0]

Yes-----you mean that you just e-filed and do not even know if your e-file has been rejected or accepted?  You have to wait.   Maybe you will get lucky enough for your e-file to be rejected.  Do not try to send in an amended return if the original has not even been accepted.  Post back to let us know if your incorrect original return is accepted or rejected.

[PatinWA]

I checked my email, it has been accepted. Thank you for all your assistance.