How to switch taxpayer to spouse line on 1040A

[canales-e]

1040A showing taxpayer as wife and spouse as husband. how can I switch this

[ScottT]

To make the change from husband as taxpayer and wife as spouse using your TurboTax Home & Biz Desktop version, please follow these steps.

1. In your TurboTax program, go to Personal Info tab on the top left
2. Then, click on You & Your Family just below it
3. At the Personal Info Summary page, click Edit on the first person on the list. Then, overwrite with your information
4. Do the same for the 2nd person on the list, then enter your spouse's information

[rjs]

That will only work if you have not yet entered any information beyond the Personal Info section. If you have already entered W-2s or other information linked to the taxpayer or spouse, There is no practical way to change the order of the names. Trying to do so will cause numerous errors in your tax return that you will never be able to straighten out. Since you are using the CD or download TurboTax software, just start a new tax return from scratch, with the names in the order that you want them. However, also note the following on page 15 of the IRS instructions for Form 1040A.

"If you filed a joint return for 2016 and you are filing a joint return for 2017 with the same spouse, be sure to enter your names and SSNs in the same order as on your 2016 return."

[ScottT]

Just ran a test using TurboTax Home & Biz Desktop version. I was able to update from my previous instruction and it changed from taxpayer to spouse vice versa.  However, as rjs have mentioned, if you previously filed joint return for 2016 the order for names and SSN should be the same for 2017 return.

[smr2]

I have the same problem. I have entered a LOT of information, only to find that my name is listed as the taxpayer, when I have been the spouse for years and years. There are K-1s, W-2s, and Schedule Cs linked to us. What do I do? I have to file this today?