Well----then maybe they just made a "mistake. " If his SSN has already been used on a tax return, your e-file is going to be rejected if you file a joint return and try to e-file it. But a joint return is usually the best way to file if you are married, especially when you have children. So prepare a joint return and file it by mail instead. His parents will have to amend their return and remove him as a dependent. You do not have to wait for them to amend to mail in your own tax return.
If you were legally married at the end of 2024 your filing choices are married filing jointly or married filing separately.
Married Filing Jointly is usually better, even if one spouse had little or no income. When you file a joint return, you and your spouse will get the married filing jointly standard deduction of $29,200 (+ $1550 for each spouse 65 or older) for 2024. You are eligible for more credits including education credits, earned income credit, child and dependent care credit, and a larger income limit to receive the child tax credit.
How to start a new joint return
You will not be able to merge two previous TT account to start your new joint return. You can transfer ONE of your 2023 returns into a new return, so choose the most complicated one. The other spouse’s information needs to be entered manually. The first name you enter will be the “primary” taxpayer——and in subsequent years you need to keep the names in that order—do not try to change the order of the names.
When you enter the primary spouse’s 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 enter your spouse's information into My Info. Whenever you are entering income information there should then be a spot for you and for your spouse's income information. WATCH for the names as you enter income on the screens.
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.
**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
