Amend taxes

Forum|Forum|6 years ago
March 12, 2020
2 replies
21 views

Can I amend my tax return if I filled jointly but I want file separately

DoninGA

Level 15

Yes, if you amend the 2019 tax return before April 15, 2020 you can change to MFS from MFJ.

But see this TurboTax support FAQ for filing jointly versus separately - https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/married/help/is-it-better-for-a-married-couple-to-file-jointly-or-separately/01/25590

Opus 17

Level 15

Yes, however, you must mail the amended return before April 15. After April 15, the choice to file jointly can't be changed or revoked.

The taxpayer named first in the tax file will prepare an amended return changing from MFJ to MFS. Remove the spouse's income and deductions. The spouse will prepare a new MFS return (not an amended return because they did not file yet).

Be aware that MFS filing disallows many important deductions and credits and usually results in owing more overall tax. Also, when filing MFS, if one spouse itemizes deductions, both spouses must itemize even the itemized deductions for the second spouse are less than the standard deduction or even zero.