Today TaxMama® hears from AShepherd in the TaxQuips Forum, with a sensible question. “I filed married filing separately this year because, at the time, my husband was incarcerated. He is out now. Can we file jointly still and if so, how can we ( will a 1040x do the job)? I couldn’t claim anything, our kids the EIC etc…. I only got 56 bucks back. Please help we really need the money.”

Dear AShepherd,

Mike Reed, EA explains.

Yes, Per Pub 501 you can change from MFS to MFJ – you must file within 3 years of the original due date. This will be an amended return, thus you do not “return” the $56, the 1040X will compute any balance or refund due.

And remember, you can find answers to all kinds of questions about filing statuses and other tax and business issues, free. Where? Where else? At www.TaxMama.com.

[Note: If you were subscribed to the e-mailed version of TaxQuips, you’d be getting other exciting news and tips by e-mail, that never appear on the site. Please click on the join TaxMama.com link – it’s free!]

Please post all Comments and Replies in the new TaxQuips Forum .

• 
  
  
• 
  Ask TaxMama :: Where taxes are fun and answers are free
  
  
  
• 
  TaxQuips :: The number ONE free tax podcast online
  
  
  
• 
  TaxQuips Forum :: Where you can ask questions, too
  
  
  
• 
  TaxQuips Forum :: Where you can add your comments, too
  
  
  

File Download (0:00 min / 0 MB)