Earlier this month I filed my first non-single tax (married filing separate) return since getting married in March. The IRS/State has received my return and it is currently being processed for a moderate refund. I've used Taxact for 4 years prior to this return and its been adequate for my needs.

My dilemma/question: After I submitted the tax return I studied topics regarding Community Property (which I ignorantly didn't before) and determined that I submitted a faulty federal and state return. Do I need to wait to see if my refund actually gets processed before submitting a 1040X?

Also, my wife is eager to get her return out the way and I suggested she wait until a determination is made on mine before submitting hers. Should she file married filing jointly? Will she even be able to with my SS# on file?

Seems like two wrongs wouldn't make a right in this situation if she were to file separate as well.

Bottom line is that I'll more than likely be visiting a CPA to sort through the mess I've created.

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Posted by tigeryat

God's Country

Member since Oct 2005

2911 posts

Posted on 2/21/12 at 11:10 pm to lsugolfredman

Your refund has probably already been processed by the IRS. You may want to call them and tell them you are filing a joint return. They will figure out the refund/balance due part once they get the amended return.

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Posted by slinger1317

Northshore

Member since Sep 2005

5788 posts

Posted on 2/22/12 at 6:58 am to lsugolfredman

Not sure of your circumstances but MFS should be a last resort return. If at all possible, try to file MFJ in order to minimize tax liability as well as clear up any headaches from filing separate returns.

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Posted by dcrews

Houston, TX

Member since Feb 2011

30145 posts

Posted on 2/22/12 at 12:55 pm to slinger1317

quote:
Not sure of your circumstances but MFS should be a last resort return

^ This

Contact the IRS and tell them your situation. Difficult as it seems, it's cheaper to call them up and let the phone sit on hold while you do something else, than paying a CPA.

Seems like all you would need to do is amend your return from Married Filing Separately to Married Filing Jointly.

This post was edited on 2/22/12 at 12:57 pm

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