@Sam Hopi Are you using the CD/download software or online? It would be a good idea for you to prepare returns both ways so that you can compare the results ---prepare a joint return and then prepare returns as Married Filing Separately--following all of the rules for MFS in a community property state so you can see for yourself how it works out for you and your spouse.
If you have the CD/download you can prepare an unlimited number of returns so it it relatively easy to prepare the three returns-- or even to try the "what if" feature of the desktop software.
If you are using Desktop software:
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2895312-how-can-we-compare-married-filing-jointly-with-married-fil...
If you are using online it is trickier but you can do it.
It is not easy to compare MFJ to MFS using online TT but you can do it. Since you only get one return for each account and user ID, you have to use 3 accounts and user ID’s—one for MFJ and two for each of the MFS returns. Compare, choose, and file—and pay—accordingly.
It is much easier to do this comparison using the desktop version of TT installed from a CD or downloaded to your own computer. You pay once for the software and you can prepare multiple returns easily, and it has a “what if” feature that allows comparisons.
**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
