Filing Jointly while my wife already filed separately

[gael1235]

Good afternoon,

My wife an I filed in 2025 (for incomes in 2024) Separately.

Now we want to file Jointly. The issue is that because we didn't know any better and i knew that i wanted to file for extension, she went ahead and filed as Married filing separetely. 

2 days before the filing deadline, what should we do? 

File for an extension for me, as Maried filing together? or should i do nothing and wait for her refund to be processed and then try to amend her return? (from filing separately to filing jointly). I want to make sure i don't risk penalties for not filing on time... 

[MaryK4]

To switch to Married Filing Jointly (MFJ), you should wait until her original return is processed and then amend it as a joint return, adding your information. For now,  you should file your own individual extension before the deadline. While you ultimately plan to file a joint return, this protects you from late-filing penalties if there are delays in processing her return or the amendment.

[xmasbaby0]

You cannot file a joint return now----your spouse's SSN is already in the system.   If you try to e-file a joint return that has her SSN on it,  the IRS will just reject the return.

Wait for her return to be fully processed and then amend hers to make it a joint return for the two of you.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899507-how-do-i-amend-a-separate-return-to-married-filing-jointly

[gael1235]

Should i then file for an extension for me? (already knowing that i will not file separately before the new deadline anyways). 

[DaveF1006]

Yes, file your extension today.