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Level 2
April 4, 2023
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Filed as single, should have filed joint return. Help!

  • April 4, 2023
  • 1 reply
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Filed my return as usual, but recently married. Wife has not yet filed. We should be married filing jointly but I filed single. What should we do? If she files a joint return will mine be rejected?

Best answer by xmasbaby0

you should not delay since the new amount you owe , if any, is due by April 18th.

@PatinWA 


@PatinWA Fanfare is correct.   The return that has to be amended is your return.  You already put your SSN on that return.  Your spouse cannot prepare a joint return using your SSN, because it will be rejected.

 

When you amend:

 

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?"  Then you choose yes to file a joint return.  You would then 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.  Income screens will have spots with each spouse’s name—be careful to enter under the correct names.

 

Your spouse will not file a return at all.  All of her information goes on the Form 1040X that you prepare and file as a joint return.   

1 reply

Level 15
April 4, 2023

"recently married..." 

 

Were you married before the end of 2022?

**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.**
fanfare
Level 15
April 4, 2023

If you filed Single,

You amend your return to MFJ and put her income on the amendment.

She does not file since 1040-X will have her name and signature as spouse.

 

@PatinWA 

PatinWAAuthor
Level 2
April 5, 2023

@PatinWA Fanfare is correct.   The return that has to be amended is your return.  You already put your SSN on that return.  Your spouse cannot prepare a joint return using your SSN, because it will be rejected.

 

When you amend:

 

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?"  Then you choose yes to file a joint return.  You would then 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.  Income screens will have spots with each spouse’s name—be careful to enter under the correct names.

 

Your spouse will not file a return at all.  All of her information goes on the Form 1040X that you prepare and file as a joint return.   


Thank you.  I have read that I must wait until the IRS has accepted my electronically submitted return, is that correct?