Amended Tax Return 2020 Question

[SwitchbackXT85]

My wife and I got married in 2020. I accidently filed my tax return, Married Filling Separately for 2020. I would like to do an amended tax return. My Wife has not filed her tax return yet. Can I send in an amended tax return (Married File Jointly) for both my wife and I with out her filing a tax return? Or do I need her to file her tax return Married Filing Separately and then submit an Amended Tax return (Married Filing Jointly). Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[PattiF]

Yes, you can send in an amended return for the both of you with the filing status of Married Filing Jointly.

Here is a link with instructions on how to amend your return from MFS to MFJ.

[SwitchbackXT85]

Thank you very much, just to clarify, my wife doesn't need to submit a return first? The Amended return will take care of my mistake and with cover her 2020 filing?

[PattiF]

No, your wife does not need to submit a separate return. The Amended return with the status of Married Filing Jointly will take care of everything.

[SwitchbackXT85]

I filed my state return as Married Filing Separately. Do I need to amend my state return as well or can I leave it as is?

[DMarkM1]

It depends.  Some states require the same filing status as federal.  If you post your state someone may be able to answer specifically to your situation.

[SwitchbackXT85]

This would be for Ohio. Let me know your thoughts!

[MayaD]

You need to amend the state return, Ohio requires that you use the same filing status as you used for your federal income tax return.