Urgent - How do I amend my 2019 return?

[EA and MK 48]

Hi All,

 

Would greatly appreciate any help as the 2019 amended return deadline is fast approaching. My wife became an LPR in October 2021 and got her SSN shortly after being admitted an LPR. I am needing to amend my 2019 return to change my filing status from married filing separately (MFS) to married filing jointly (MFJ). When I filed my 2019 return originally, I treated my wife as a Nonresident Alien and filed MFS as she was not an LPR, had no SSN/ITIN, and was living in her country.

 

Now that she has an SSN, I am changing my filing status but not sure if I need to include a letter to ask wife to be treated as a resident alien for 2019 or if I can just submit the amended return?

 

I explained in 1040-X why I am submitting an amended return, but not sure if that will suffice or if I still need the signed letter to elect my wife be treated as a resident alien for 2019?

 

Thank You!

[Chancy 6,243]

2 minutes ago, EA and MK said:

if I still need the signed letter to elect my wife be treated as a resident alien for 2019?

 

Yes, still need a signed statement to elect your wife to be treated as a resident for tax purposes for tax year 2019.  Include the statement when you file your 1040X for 2019.

 

[EA and MK 48]

4 minutes ago, Chancy said:

 

Yes, still need a signed statement to elect your wife to be treated as a resident for tax purposes for tax year 2019.  Include the statement when you file your 1040X for 2019.

 

Thank you! And if I file a 2020 amended return, I don't need this statement again, correct? 

[Chancy 6,243]

3 minutes ago, EA and MK said:

if I file a 2020 amended return, I don't need this statement again, correct?

 

Correct -- you need the statement only for the first tax year you intend to file MFJ.

 

Edited March 30, 2022 by Chancy
typo

[EA and MK 48]

7 hours ago, Chancy said:

 

Correct -- you need the statement only for the first tax year you intend to file MFJ.

 

Thank you! For the 2021 returns, we e-filed and filed MFJ with no issues. Crossing fingers the amended returns are processed with no issues!