topic My return was accepted, and I didn't add my spouses W-2. This is our first year married filing jointly. How do I fix it? in After you file

My return was accepted, and I didn't add my spouses W-2. This is our first year married filing jointly. How do I fix it?

henrym0430 — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 09:30:37 GMT

Re: My return was accepted, and I didn't add my spouses W-2. This is our first year married filing jointly. How do I fix it?

DoninGA — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 17:56:00 GMT

If the return is accepted you will have to amend your original tax return. An amended return, Form 1040-X, can only be printed and mailed to the IRS if the original tax return was not e-filed. The IRS will take up to 20 weeks or longer to process an amended tax return.

Before starting to amend the tax return, wait for the tax refund to be received or the taxes due to be paid and processed by the IRS.

See this TurboTax support FAQ for amending a tax return - https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-return/amend-change-correct-return-already-filed/L4VjJ9BA2_US_en_US?uid=ld1n99kr

Re: My return was accepted, and I didn't add my spouses W-2. This is our first year married filing jointly. How do I fix it?

xmasbaby0 — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 17:56:51 GMT

Well---that was a mistake----all of your combined income is supposed to go on a joint tax return.

But...

Did you click that big orange button that said “Transmit my return now?” If you did that, you cannot do anything to fix it yet. You have to wait for the email that tells you if your return was accepted or rejected. The IRS will begin to accept/reject e-files on January 29, so your email will come on or after 1-29.

You cannot change or add anything on the return that you just e-filed, nor can you stop it. It is too late, just like when you put an envelope in a US mailbox on the corner. The IRS does not allow you to take it back.

If you left out a W-2, a 1099G, or a dependent, or a 1099 etc…DO NOT change your return while it is “pending.” The changes will go nowhere.

Now you have to wait until the IRS either rejects or accepts your return. If your return is rejected, you will be able to go into your account and make the necessary changes to your tax return and re-submit your return.

If the IRS accepts your return, however, then you have to wait longer until it has been fully processed and you have received your refund. THEN you can prepare an amended tax return and e-file or mail it in. You have to be able to work from that return exactly the way it was when it was e-filed originally. You will need to use a form called a 1040X.

Meanwhile, DO NOT go in and start changing anything on your return in the system, or you will make a mess for yourself. Sit tight and wait until you see what the IRS does with the return you just e-filed

Re: My return was accepted, and I didn't add my spouses W-2. This is our first year married filing jointly. How do I fix it?

xmasbaby0 — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 18:11:15 GMT

And....since you were new to filing a joint return....we had better check.....did you set up the return correctly as a joint return? If not, you will have more corrections to make 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 Personal Info. Whenever you are entering income information there should then be a spot for you and for your spouse's income information.

When you prepare a joint return you include all the information for both spouses on the SAME tax return. Include all of your personal information, all of your income from every source, all dependents (if any), all credits and deductions for both of you. You get ONE refund with both names on it.

Best Wishes!