Depending on other factors, it may still be better to file jointly. If you live in a community property state (Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin), you will need to split your community income evenly even if filing separately; the rules vary by state. Also, some tax benefits aren't available for Separate filing status.
You can use TurboTax Online to test different scenarios before deciding to file jointly or separately. In TurboTax Online, you can set up multiple user accounts and you are not charged a fee until such time as you are ready to file one of the returns. Or, you can use Online to test the scenarios and then return to the Desktop product to file the two returns. With Desktop, you can e-file up to 5 returns with one product; with Online, you would pay for each return.
As you noted, there can be many issues to consider individually in this decision, so the choice isn't automatic.
Click here for more information from TurboTax on how to decide which filing status to choose.
Click here for tax tips for community property states.
See this IRS FAQ on dependents.
Please see this article for more information on home mortgages.
**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post
**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"
