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posted Sep 4, 2019 10:25:40 PM

How Do I change my filing status to Married filing separately? Even if the recommendation is to file as head of household.

I need to make amend.

0 4 890
4 Replies
Level 15
Sep 5, 2019 4:55:40 AM

 

 

"I need to make amend."

 

If you already filed a joint return for 2018 it is too late to amend the return and file married filing separately.  The rules do not allow you to change from a joint return to separate returns after the filing deadline, which was April 15, 2019.

Level 15
Sep 5, 2019 6:52:17 AM

while I agree it's too late to change, why would you want to do this in any event?  it's quite unusual that filing married- separate has a better outcome. what are the specific circumstances that cause you to want to do this? 

Level 15
Sep 5, 2019 8:09:16 AM

The poster never said anything about "Married filing Jointly" - the poster asked how NOT to file *Head of Household* which TurboTax will recommend if the unmarried (or considered unmarried) tax payer has a dependent and otherwise qualifies.

 

You can always change the filing status to force another filing status, but again - why would you want to not file HOH if you qualify for the larger standard deduction for HOH?

 

@jmarron310 - please clarify the original filing status on the first filed tax return.   If it actually was Married Filing Jointly then the other comments apply - it cannot be changed after April 15, 2019 unless you actually were not married at all, in which case you need professional help since that cannot be fixed by amending.

Level 15
Sep 5, 2019 8:29:36 AM

@macuser_22 You're right--I might have misinterpreted the original question.  We need clarity on what filing status has already been used for the 2018 return that @jmarron310 says needs to be amended.