I filed “married, separate” need to amend that to “married, jointly” has anyone had to do this?

[gregg-moore97]

My wife did not work and had zero income.  I filed married separate returns thinking that she would not have a return to file.  It dawned on me that I should if filed married jointly with her having zero income to claim a pretty decent tax break.  Well I tried to amend it electronically and it was rejected.  Is it possible to fix this?

[JohnB5677]

Yes,  That was a good catch, and you can amend your return to Married filling Jointly.  If your wife had zero income it will definitely improve your tax position.

If you have already filled your taxes the first step is to wait and see if it is Accepted or Rejected. 

• If it is Rejected you will be able to correct the rejection error and add your anything you want..
• If it is Accepted you will have to wait and file an amended tax return:
  • If you're getting a refund wait until the refund comes in.
  • If you owe money wait at least two weeks before filing the amended return.  (This is so that the IRS has time to process the original return.)

To amend a return 

Some quick ground rules:

1. Be sure the original return was filed and accepted.
2. Save the original return before you start the amendment
3. Change the name of the amended return.
4. DO NOT go back into the return or change anything before you start the amendment process.
5. Gather everything you need before you start.
6. Complete the entire amendment process before you log out.

 You can correct a return that you've already filed and had accepted.  Select the year that applies and use this guide to proceed.

Select your tax year for amending instructions: 2020

For additional information please refer to  How to Amend

[gregg-moore97]

Ok, I think I followed the directions and I filled my amended return.  It was rejected,  But I think it is something simple.  It told me two things.  It said my amended return filing status had to be the same as my original filing (which I was changing, that's the reason I was amending in the first place).  Then it said I need to mail in an amended filing to the IRS.  I assume that when I changed my filing status on the amended filing, It is something I cannot do as an E-file.  Possibly because I am adding my wife and she had not signed anything??  IDK,  I will print out and mail in the amended return.  Once I am notified by the IRS weather or not it is accepted I will let you know.

Thanks for your help.

[Critter-3]

You CANNOT efile an amended return when the filing status has changed ... you MUST print, ink sign and mail in the return.