Did you click that big orange button that said “Transmit my return now?” If you did that, you cannot do anything to fix it yet. You have to wait for the email that tells you if your return was accepted or rejected.
You cannot change or add anything on the return that you just e-filed, nor can you stop it. It is too late, just like when you put an envelope in a US mailbox on the corner. The IRS does not allow you to take it back.
If you left out a W-2, a 1099G, or a dependent, or a 1099 etc…DO NOT change your return while it is “pending.” The changes will go nowhere.
Now you have to wait until the IRS either rejects or accepts your return. If your return is rejected, you will be able to go into your account and make the necessary changes to your tax return and re-submit your return.
If the IRS accepts your return, however, then you have to wait longer until it has been fully processed and you have received your refund. THEN you can prepare an amended tax return and e-file or mail it in. You have to be able to work from that return exactly the way it was when it was e-filed originally. You will need to use a form called a 1040X.
Meanwhile, DO NOT go in and start changing anything on your return in the system, or you will make a mess for yourself. Sit tight and wait until you see what the IRS does with the return you just e-filed.
The IRS will begin to accept/reject returns on January 29. Watch your emails. If the return is rejected you can add your spouse's W-2's and re-file. Or....change it drastically and file separate returns. If you do that, your spouse will have to prepare a return for himself/herself. If the return is accepted you have to wait for the IRS to process it and then amend.
And.....why do you want to file separate returns? That is usually the worst way to file.
If you were legally married at the end of 2024 your filing choices are married filing jointly or married filing separately.
Married Filing Jointly is usually better, even if one spouse had little or no income. When you file a joint return, you and your spouse will get the married filing jointly standard deduction of $29,200 (+ $1550 for each spouse 65 or older) for 2024. You are eligible for more credits including education credits, earned income credit, child and dependent care credit, and a larger income limit to receive the child tax credit.
If you choose to file married filing separately, both spouses have to file the same way—either you both itemize or you both use standard deduction. Your tax rate will be higher than on a joint return.
Some of the special rules for filing separately include: you cannot get earned income credit, education credits, adoption credits, or deductions for student loan interest. A higher percent of your Social Security benefits may be taxable. Your limit for SALT (state and local taxes and sales tax) will be only $5000 per spouse. In many cases you will not be able to take the child and dependent care credit. The amount you can contribute to a retirement account will be affected. If you live in a community property state, you will be required to provide additional information regarding your spouse’s income. ( Community property states: AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI)
If you are using online TurboTax to prepare your returns, you will need to prepare two separate returns and pay twice since with online, you get one return per fee.
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894449-married-filing-jointly-vs-married-filing-separately
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901162-married-filing-separately-in-community-property-states
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894449-is-it-better-for-a-married-couple-to-file-jointly-or-separ...
**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.**
