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Level 1
February 2, 2025
Question

My husband and i messed up. We filed our taxes as married filing jointly. We should've done married filing separately. Now our return us accepted... any way we could redo

  • February 2, 2025
  • 3 replies
  • 10 views
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    3 replies

    Level 15
    February 2, 2025

    You can amend your return before April 15. Generally filing jointly is a better filing status. 

    Mike9241
    Level 15
    Level 15
    February 2, 2025

    why MFS since that's usually the most costly way to file?  

    on an MFS both must use either the standard deduction or itemized deductions 

    certain tax credits are lost

     

    you have until 4/15/2025 to amend 

     

    the 1040-x won't be ready until about 2/15

    you amend the joint return to include only one of you

     

    you'll need a second account to create a return for the other spouse. 

     

    if the joint return shows a refund, you'll need to wait until you get it because it will need to be reflected on the amended return. 

    Mike9241
    VolvoGirl
    Level 15
    February 2, 2025

    How to switch from Joint to Married filing separate
    https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/small-business-processes/switch-filing-jointly-filing-separately/L3UGzwHa1_US_en_US?uid=lskmcvqs

     

    But why do you want to change?  Joint is usually the better way to file and has the lowest tax rates.  

    Here's some things to consider about filing separately……

     

    In the first place you each have to file a separate return, so that's two returns. And if you are using the Online version that means using 2 accounts and paying the fees twice.

     

    Many people think they come out better when filing Married Filing Separate but they are probably doing it wrong. If one person itemizes deductions then the other one must itemize too, even if it's less than the standard deduction, even if it is ZERO!

     

    And there are several credits you can't take when filing separately, like the

    EITC Earned Income Tax Credit

    Child Care Credit

    Educational Deductions and Credits

     

    And contributions to IRA and ROTH IRA are limited when you file MFS.

     

    Also if you file Married Filing Separately up to 85`% of your Social Security becomes taxable right away even with zero other income.

     

    See …….
    https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/married/help/is-it-better-for-a-married-couple-to-file-jointly-or-separately/00/25590