If you're married and need to change your filing status after filing your tax return, the rules depend on whether you're switching from Married Filing Jointly (MFJ) to Married Filing Separately (MFS) or the other way around. Here's what you need to know, including important IRS deadlines and how to make the change in the software.
Changing From Married Filing Jointly (MFJ) to Married Filing Separately (MFS)
You can amend a return from MFJ to MFS only if the change is made by the original filing due date of the return, not including extensions.
To update your filing status in the software:
- Go to Basic Information.
- Select Filing Status.
- Change the filing status to Married Filing Separately.
When you switch to MFS, any information assigned to your spouse, such as W-2s, 1099s, and other tax documents, will automatically be removed from the return. You'll need to ensure that only the income, deductions, and credits belonging to the taxpayer remain on the amended return.
Important: Once the original filing deadline has passed, you generally cannot change a return from MFJ to MFS. If you filed jointly, the IRS treats that election as permanent after the filing deadline.
Do Both Spouses Need to Amend When Changing From MFJ to MFS?
Yes, if you originally filed a joint return and then change to separate returns before the deadline, both spouses must file amended returns.
Each spouse will need to report their own income, deductions, credits, and tax payments on their separate amended return.
Changing From Married Filing Separately (MFS) to Married Filing Jointly (MFJ)
If you and your spouse originally filed separate returns, you may be able to amend and file a joint return instead.
To make the change in the software:
- Go to Basic Information.
- Select Filing Status.
- Change the filing status to Married Filing Jointly.
- Add your spouse's income, deductions, credits, and other tax information to the return.
If the spouse's Social Security number field is not available because the return has already been e-filed and accepted, you may need to contact support for assistance.
If Your Spouse Was Added as a Dependent
A spouse cannot be claimed as a dependent on a joint return. If you've accidentally entered your spouse in the Dependents section, remove them before changing the filing status to MFJ.
How Long Do You Have to Change From MFS to MFJ?
You generally have three years from the original due date of the return to amend and change your filing status from Married Filing Separately to Married Filing Jointly.
This three-year period is based on the original filing deadline and does not include any extension you may have received.
Do Both Spouses Need to Amend When Changing From MFS to MFJ?
No, when both spouses originally filed separate returns, only one amended joint return is required.
Choose one of the original MFS returns to amend and:
- Change the filing status to MFJ.
- Add all tax information from the other spouse's original return.
- Review both original returns carefully to make sure all income, deductions, credits, and withholding amounts are included on the amended joint return.
Before filing, compare the amended joint return against both original MFS returns to confirm that nothing has been missed.