When we amend MFS returns to MFS do you have to amend both or just one?

[user40914591]

We filed MFS but learned that we needed to file MFJ.  Someone told us we needed to amend both returns - zero one return out and transfer everything to the other return.

Also was told we only need to amend one to MFJ and the remain MFS return will be ignored.  Who is right?

Also, do we need to amend last year's return(s) before filing for this year?

[AnthonyC · Accepted solution]

You only need to amend one return from married filing separately to married filing jointly.  After you amend one return, the IRS will ignore the other.  You should amend the most complicated return so this way its less work to add the remainder.  This article from TurboTax below is very guide at guiding you through the details.  

You do not HAVE to amend the prior return before filing this year, but it is generally best to do so because you may have carryover amounts from 2015 to 2016 that need to be accounted for on your return.  

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3300283

[fansley24]

For me...one of the MFS filings had a refund, the other MFS owed.
when submitting the MFJ, I am amending the one that owed.
do I account for any of the refund from the other MFS in this process (on the 1040-X)?
I am confused how that "ignored" MFS return is handled.?
surely we can't keep the original refund from the MFS that is not being amended.
do I put the owed amount from Primary MFS on line 16 and then the refund amount from the other MFS on line 18?
or will The IRS settle that account separately?