We got married last July. I lived in 2 different states in 2017. My wife has already filed her tax separately. Can I now file my tax jointly? Is that allowed?

[DianeW · Accepted solution]

No, this is not allowed for the federal return. However she can amend her tax return and she can file jointly with you. Your income and deductions would be added to her return after your review the amendment instructions below.

State returns vary by state, some state allow you to file separately even if you filed jointly on the federal return and the opposite, if you filed separately on the federal you can file jointly on the state return.  However there are many state that require you to file with the same filing status that was used on the federal return when you are married.

Married filing jointly is almost always the best way to file to retain all the advantages. For more information on the detail you can review this TurboTax article below.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3288477

To amend your wife's tax return you can use the amended instructions below.  This form cannot be E-filed.  Read all information before you begin so that your original figures are correct.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3288565