@Hal_Al wrote:
You can still file amended returns for 2019, 2020 and 2021 to change your filing status to MFJ (Married Filing Jointly).
That's a good point because it's possible to keep your finances largely separate but still file joint tax returns. That would save some tax money. It still won't help you with college financial aid or your job loss.
(One downside is that if you file joint returns and your spouse is less than honest with their finances, both spouses are equally responsible on a joint return but only one spouse is responsible on a separate return. If your spouse is less than honest with the IRS, you have bigger problems.)
