Why sign in to the Community?

  • Submit a question
  • Check your notifications
Sign in to the Community or Sign in to TurboTax and start working on your taxes
Returning Member
posted Feb 27, 2020 11:34:13 AM

how to switch primary tax payer on joint filing

our efile was rejected because of primary tax payer was switched from last year. You recommended putting $ for this year primary AGI.  it was rejected again.  Please advise. 

0 2 1850
1 Best answer
Level 15
Feb 27, 2020 12:21:12 PM

To add:  You can mail in your return since it keeps getting rejected.  Or as stated above you can start a new return & enter the names like they were on your 2018 return.

 

If you have the CD/Download version you can delete your .tax2019 file in the TurboTax directory off of the Documents directory, or on the first screen right click on the file & choose delete.

 

How do I clear and start over in TurboTax Online?

As long as you haven't submitted payment, deducted the TurboTax fee from your refund, or registered, you can erase your return and start from scratch in TurboTax Online.

  1. Sign in and select a topic to continue your return.
  2. On the next screen, from the left-side menu, select Tax Tools, and then Clear & Start Over (select the menu icon in the upper-left corner if you don't see this menu).
  3. Answer Yes in the pop-up to confirm.

2 Replies
Level 15
Feb 27, 2020 12:12:32 PM

The only complete way to switch names on your return is to start a new return.  Since information in your tax returns goes with each name, you cannot just change the order of the names.  Your return will keep getting rejected because the first SSN the IRS has is the first name on your 2018 return .  

 

When you file your first tax return together, decide whose name should go first and then stick with it per the IRS 1040 instructions, which read:

"If you filed a joint return for 2018 and you are filing a joint return for 2019 with the same spouse, be sure to enter your names and SSNs in the same order as on your 2018 return."

 

Level 15
Feb 27, 2020 12:21:12 PM

To add:  You can mail in your return since it keeps getting rejected.  Or as stated above you can start a new return & enter the names like they were on your 2018 return.

 

If you have the CD/Download version you can delete your .tax2019 file in the TurboTax directory off of the Documents directory, or on the first screen right click on the file & choose delete.

 

How do I clear and start over in TurboTax Online?

As long as you haven't submitted payment, deducted the TurboTax fee from your refund, or registered, you can erase your return and start from scratch in TurboTax Online.

  1. Sign in and select a topic to continue your return.
  2. On the next screen, from the left-side menu, select Tax Tools, and then Clear & Start Over (select the menu icon in the upper-left corner if you don't see this menu).
  3. Answer Yes in the pop-up to confirm.