[J1Scholar]

My spouse has made a mistake and filed a return with status "Married Filing Separately." I am yet to file my returns and we would like to fix this by filing jointly. My question is about how we should go about this.

Should I submit my return under the status MFS and then one of us submits an amended return: 1040X+1040 (MFJ) ? In this case, should we show both of our incomes in column A of 1040X?

Or, should my spouse just file an amended return: 1040X+1040 (MFJ)? Would this count as me filing a return?

Thanks.

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

File an amended return and add your return to it, making it a joint return.

The amendment will have to be mailed, with the resultant delay in getting the refund.

If you believe this is beyond your skill set, this IS what I do. Please contact me at the email address in my profile.

[J1Scholar]

Thank you for your reply.

Should I (who is yet to file) be the primary taxpayer or my spouse (who has already filed) be the primary on 1040X and 1040 (new joint)?

Thanks.

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

Make your wife (who has filed) the primary taxpayer, because then her SSN will be the reference tax ID #. Less confusion that way!