If my spouse filed married filing separately, can I file married filing jointly?

[ieshamu]

We changed our minds about filing separately and he already submitted his and I haven't submitted mine yet.

[gbennett77]

My wife filed separate but after talking we should've filed jointly. I haven't filed as of yet. What should we do in order to change us to MFJ?
I got info that she should amend her return - mail it
then i should file MFJ print/mail it as well.
is this all done on the 1040x? kinda confused thanks!

[WillK · Accepted solution]

Since your husband has already filed his return, you will need to amend your husbands return to married filing jointly and then add your information to his return. The 1040X for amending 2015 returns will not be available until February 11th. There are instructions on how to amend your return from MFS to MFJ. You should not try to amend your return until it has been fully processed and you have received your refund or your payment has cleared.

Amended returns do not “catch up” to your original return and replace them; they are processed as two separate returns.  
Amended returns have to be printed and filed by mail.  It can take the IRS up to 12 weeks or longer to process them.   If you are due a larger refund than on your original return, your amended return should only show the difference and you will receive a separate check for it.  If you owe money on your amended return, it will show only the new amount owed, you will have to mail a check with the return.

[allendunlap83]

Will my spouse be penalized for not technically filing before the cut off date if their information is not filed before april 15, but added to my amended return after april 15th?