Hello. I recently filed my 2021 return using the "Married Filing Separately" (MFS) filing status. But after discussing with my spouse and running the numbers through a mock return, we discovered it would be to our benefit to file as "Married Filing Jointly" (MFJ). Note that my spouse has NOT filed taxes for 2021 yet.
I understand that had we done MFJ from the beginning, she would not need to file a 2021 return. However, since I'll be amending my 2021 return and changing the status to MFJ, will my spouse need to do anything else in regards to filing a return?
Thanks!
Nothing. Everything for the two of you will go on that amended return. All of your income, all of your personal info, dependents (if you have any), credits, deductions....it all goes on that one return. And when you get the refund it will have both names on it.
You should be able to e-file it. If you decide to send it in an envelope then you both have to sign it in ink.
If that MFS return has been filed and accepted, you are going to have to wait for it to be fully processed and then you can amend it to switch to MFJ. You cannot switch before that, because there is already a return in the system with your SSN on it. A new return using your SSN will be rejected.
And...the 1040X you need will not be available until at least mid-March.
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899507-how-do-i-amend-a-separate-return-to-married-filing-jointly
Thanks xmasbaby0. Will my spouse still need to file anything, or will she be taken care once the amended return is filed?
Your spouse will be on the joint return. Spouse should do nothing until you prepare the amended return.
Thank you. Just curious, what else might she need to do after I prepare the amended return?
Nothing. Everything for the two of you will go on that amended return. All of your income, all of your personal info, dependents (if you have any), credits, deductions....it all goes on that one return. And when you get the refund it will have both names on it.
You should be able to e-file it. If you decide to send it in an envelope then you both have to sign it in ink.