@Optimistic When you change the order of the names ---that is all you change---and the other data that transfers over from the prior year stays where it was----so you can create a real mess by doing that. You say you or your ex did this for 2019 and suffered no ill effects....maybe not....and maybe the mess has not yet surfaced....things that were previously under the spouse's name are now under his on that return. Do not be surprised someday.
ORDER OF NAMES ON A JOINT RETURN https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901551-does-the-order-of-the-names-on-a-joint-return-matter
You can tell us all that you want that it did not cause a problem for you. We know that it is highly likely to cause a problem and will not ever suggest to other users to just change the order of the names or to have one spouse take over a joint return and file as single when it entails changing the order of the names.
**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.**
