Can I amend my return that I already filed to married filing separately because of the new changes from the stimulus plan?
March 18, 2021 6:53 PM last updated March 18, 2021 6:53 PM Connect with an expert
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18 RepliesYou can change from a joint return to separate returns if done before the May 17 due date. The first listed spouse on the joint return would amend and change the filing status to separate and the spouse would file a new separate return.
Since amended returns normal take 4 months to process, because of the COVID slow down they are taking about 6 months now so do not look for it until August or September.
Because of all the limitations of other credits on separate returns, it is doubtful if it will result in any benefit.
**Disclaimer: This post is for discussion purposes only and is NOT tax advice. The author takes no responsibility for the accuracy of any information in this post.**
March 18, 2021 7:22 PMWith the new stimulus package, if my husband filed separately with his unemployment then we would at least get some stimulus if my wages are not included. My wages put us over the threshold and as of now we are getting nothing because my second job pushed us past the 160,000 mark.
March 18, 2021 8:24 PMTry test returns to see what is better.
If you file MFS (Married Filing Separately) keep in mind that there are several limitations to MFS. Married filing Jointly is usually the better way to file.
A few of those limitations are: (see IRS Pub 17 for the full list
1. Your tax rate generally is higher than on a joint return.
2. Your exemption amount for figuring the alternative minimum tax is half that allowed on a joint return.
3. You cannot take the credit for child and dependent care expenses in most cases, and the amount you can exclude from income under an employer's dependent care assistance you are legally separated or living apart from your spouse, you may be able to file a separate return and still take the credit. For more information about these expenses, the credit, and the exclusion, see chapter 32.
4. You cannot take the earned income credit.
5. You cannot take the exclusion or credit for adoption expenses in most cases.
6. You cannot take the education credits (the American opportunity credit and lifetime learning credit) or the deduction for student loan interest.
7. You cannot exclude any interest income from qualified U.S. savings bonds you used for higher education expenses.
8. If you lived with your spouse at any time during the tax year:
a. You cannot claim the credit for the elderly or the disabled, and
b. You must include in income a greater percentage (up to 85%) of any social security or equivalent railroad retirement benefits you received.
9. The following credits and deductions are reduced at income levels half those for a joint return:
a. The child tax credit,
b. The retirement savings contributions credit,
10. Your capital loss deduction limit is $1,500 (instead of $3,000 on a joint return).
11. If your spouse itemizes deductions, you cannot claim the standard deduction. If you can claim the standard deduction, your basic standard deduction is half the amount allowed on a joint return.
- If you live in a community property state you must allocate community income between both spouses..
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- Community property states. If you live in Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, or Wisconsin and file separately, your income may be considered separate income or community income for income tax purposes. See Publication 555. http://www.irs.gov/publications/p555/index.html
**Disclaimer: This post is for discussion purposes only and is NOT tax advice. The author takes no responsibility for the accuracy of any information in this post.**
