If you have not yet e-filed then do not click on anything that says "amend." You do not use "amend" for a return that has not been filed. However, you can make changes----making changes is not the same as using a 1040X to amend. You will need to go back to MY INFO and change your filing status. What are you trying to do----are you changing from a joint return to separate returns----or from separate to joint? Your post is unclear.
When you enter the primary spouse’s 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 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. WATCH for the names as you enter income on the screens. Or when you click to add income it will prompt you to choose which spouse had the income.
When you are entering income on a joint return, every income entry screen will either have a spot with both spouse’s names there, or when you click to enter a W-2, 1099R, etc. it will ask you by name which spouse it is for. You do not have to wait for the software to “ask” you for your spouse’s income.
Or----are you trying to change it from filing joint to filing separate returns?
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?” Your answer needs to be NO. Then it will ask for information about your spouse—-their name and SSN which you must enter. EACH spouse has to file their own separate return. And you have to follow all of the rules which include that if one of you enters itemized deductions, the other one must also itemize. Or…you both use standard deduction. If you are in a community property state there are additional rules and more information to enter.
If I am filing a separate return why do I have to list my spouse’s information on my return?
Even if you file separate returns (the worst way to file) you each have to list each other's SSN's and some other information on your own tax return. The IRS can then cross check to make sure you are not "double dipping" for itemized deductions, dependents, etc.
If you are in a community property state, there is more information that will be needed.
Community property states: AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901162-married-filing-separately-in-community-property-states
https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/marriage/five-tax-tips-for-community-property-states/L4jG7cq7Z
**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.**
