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Spouse filed separately a week ago and we want to know if we can change this and file jointly?

Forum|Forum|7 years ago
June 3, 2019
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I have a joint return prepared and ready to file via Turbo Tax. She has filed separately - prepared in TT but not filed via TT. How do we file jointly and "cancel" the joint return plus get back the 1st payment she has made via an arrangement with the IRS?

Best answer by xmasbaby0

Well, if she did file a return as MFS then she ought to know how and where she filed it and if the return was accepted. She can check on that using this efile lookup tool:
https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/efile-status-lookup/

If that MFS return was accepted, then you have to wait until it has been fully processed. Then--and only then-- you amend her return and make it your joint return with ALL of the income from both of you on it. You cannot file the joint return that you prepared--it has her SSN on it and it will be rejected.

As for the payment plan:

https://www.irs.gov/payments/payment-plans-installment-agreements#q15

X

xmasbaby0Answer

Employee

Well, if she did file a return as MFS then she ought to know how and where she filed it and if the return was accepted. She can check on that using this efile lookup tool:
https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/efile-status-lookup/

If that MFS return was accepted, then you have to wait until it has been fully processed. Then--and only then-- you amend her return and make it your joint return with ALL of the income from both of you on it. You cannot file the joint return that you prepared--it has her SSN on it and it will be rejected.

As for the payment plan:

https://www.irs.gov/payments/payment-plans-installment-agreements#q15

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**

T

tombottAuthor

Unfortunately, I am not able to contact her today to find out how/where and can't until Monday. Checked the link you provided and it shows no record of the return. However, this is a TT site and I am SURE that she did not file via my Turbo Tax but I suppose she could have used a preparer who uses TT. Does the IRS have a site to verify receipt? If IRS has not received, can I file joint return today?

X

xmasbaby0

Employee

You mean your spouse has not e-filed or mailed that return that she prepared as married filing separately? It is still just sitting there? Great! She can just clear it out and abandon it. Any payment she was making with that return has not been made if she did not file it. And you can file the joint return--as long as you both agree to filing a joint return.
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2586254-how-do-i-clear-and-start-over

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**