Is it possible to change my tax return to married filing separately if it was rejected for a different reason?

[hinkeyjessica]

My husband and I got married in December 2025 and he used covered California, we realized we need to refile because it is stating we owe quite a bit

[fanfare]

After REJECTED, you can continue on to make any changes you want.

@hinkeyjessica 

[VolvoGirl]

Was the rejected efile a Joint return?   To file MFS you need to setup a new account and not transfer from 2024.  But Joint should be be better.

Here's some general info on getting married.  Did you both use Turbo Tax last year?

You can not transfer from or combine 2 returns or accounts.  Just pick the return for the spouse that has the most complicated return to enter or has any depreciation or business or  more investments.  Or use the account for whoever you want to be listed first going forward (by the way you can not change the order of the names).  Then add the other spouse's name, ssn and info to it.

You should usually  file a Joint return which is only 1 return combined for the both of you.  Make sure to stick with this one account for the future.  Just ignore the other spouse's account.

Getting Married FAQ

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-filing-status/help/what-does-getting-married-mean-for-my-taxes...

AND JOINT VS MFS 
Joint is almost always better.  Here's some things to consider about filing separately……

In the first place you each have to file a separate return, so that's two returns.  And if you are using the Online version that means using 2 accounts and paying the fees twice.  The Desktop CD/Download program would be better to use.

Many people think they come out better when filing Married Filing Separate but they are probably doing it wrong.  If one person itemizes deductions on Schedule A then the other one must itemize too, even if it's less than the standard deduction, even if it is ZERO!  And if you are in a Community Property state it can be complicated to figure out.

And there are several credits you can't take when filing separately, like the

EITC Earned Income Tax Credit

Child Care Credit

Educational Deductions and Credits

And contributions to IRA and ROTH IRA are limited when you file MFS.

Also if you file Married Filing Separately up to 85`% of your Social Security becomes taxable right away even with zero other income.

See …….

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/married/help/is-it-better-for-a-married-couple-to-file-jointly-or-...

Married filing Separate in Community Property States.   If you are in a Community Property state it can be complicated to figure out.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/taxation/married-filing-separately-commu...

[MindyB]

Yes, it is possible switch your filing status to Married Filing Separately.

However, be sure that before you officially re-file, you compare the difference between a joint return and separate (adding the tax from both separate returns.) 

Also, if you are receiving the Premium Tax Credit, married couples cannot file separately, or you'll be disqualified.  So while you are legally permitted to file a separate return, it may not be beneficial.