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?
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.
To amend a return
Some quick ground rules:
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
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.