How to Remove a Spouse and/or Change the Primary Taxpayer.

If your return is currently marked as Married Filing Jointly (MFJ) or Married Filing Separately (MFS), some taxpayer information is locked to prevent accidental changes. This includes the primary taxpayer information and spouse details.

To make changes, you must first temporarily change the filing status to Single. Once the fields are unlocked, you can update the taxpayer information and select the correct filing status again.

Why Do I Need to Change the Filing Status First?

When a return is set to MFJ or MFS, the program locks certain taxpayer fields because the filing status determines how taxpayer and spouse information is stored on the return.

Changing the filing status to Single temporarily unlocks those fields so you can make the necessary updates.

How Do I Remove a Spouse or Change the Primary Taxpayer?

Step 1: Change the Filing Status to Single

This step unlocks the taxpayer and spouse information fields.

How Do I Enter This in the Program?

Navigation: 

Federal > Filing Status

Steps:

  1. Open the Filing Status section.
  2. Select Single.
  3. Save your changes.
Important: This step is required before you can edit or remove spouse information or update the primary taxpayer.

Step 2: Update the Primary Taxpayer Information

If the wrong person is listed as the primary taxpayer, update the information while the filing status remains set to Single.

How Do I Enter This in the Program?

Navigation: 

Federal > Personal Information > General Information

Steps:

  1. Open General Information.
  2. Enter the correct primary taxpayer information.
  3. Save your changes.

Step 3: Review Taxpayer Information

Carefully review the primary taxpayer's personal information before continuing.

Verify the following:

  • Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
  • Legal name
  • Date of birth
Why this matters: The IRS uses this information to identify the taxpayer and process the return. Incorrect information may delay processing or cause the return to be rejected.

Step 4: Select the Correct Filing Status

After updating the taxpayer information, choose the filing status that applies to the return.

How Do I Enter This in the Program?

Navigation: 

Federal > Filing Status

Steps:

  1. Return to the Filing Status section.
  2. Select the correct filing status:
    • Single
    • Married Filing Jointly (MFJ)
    • Married Filing Separately (MFS)
    • Head of Household (HOH)
    • Qualifying Surviving Spouse (QSS)
  3. Save your changes.

Step 5: Re-enter Spouse Information (If Required)

If the final filing status is Married Filing Jointly (MFJ) or Married Filing Separately (MFS), you must enter the spouse's information again.

How Do I Enter This in the Program?

Navigation:

Federal > Personal Information > General Information

Steps:

  1. Open General Information.
  2. Enter the spouse's information.
  3. Save your changes.
  4. Review the return for accuracy.

What Should I Do Next?

After making your changes:
  1. Review all taxpayer and spouse information.
  2. Confirm the SSN, name, and date of birth are correct.
  3. Verify the filing status matches the taxpayer's situation.
  4. Check for any errors or missing information before continuing with the return.
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