You can use the desktop download for any of the scenarios you mentioned. You just cannot give out your license key to other people who would download it to computers that THEY own---in other words---you cannot give it to your neighbor, your old frat brother in another state, your cousin's girl friend, etc. etc. etc.
When you purchase the download you get ONE license key that is good to use on up to five computers that YOU own. You do not get five license keys. Your license key is linked to your TT account. You can download the software to your own computer and up to five computers that YOU own, and prepare returns on those computers. You get a total--among your own computers--- of up to five federal e-files. If you need to prepare more than five the other ones must be filed by mail.
You are fine to download the software to your own computer and use your computer---or allow your son or daughter to use your computer-- to prepare returns for your family or for your MFS returns.
But .....why would you want to file MFS---usually the worst way to file?
If you were legally married at the end of 2024 your filing choices are married filing jointly or married filing separately.
Married Filing Jointly is usually better, even if one spouse had little or no income. When you file a joint return, you and your spouse will get the married filing jointly standard deduction of $29,200 (+ $1550 for each spouse 65 or older) for 2024. You are eligible for more credits including education credits, earned income credit, child and dependent care credit, and a larger income limit to receive the child tax credit.
If you choose to file married filing separately, both spouses have to file the same way—either you both itemize or you both use standard deduction. Your tax rate will be higher than on a joint return.
Some of the special rules for filing separately include: you cannot get earned income credit, education credits, adoption credits, or deductions for student loan interest. A higher percent of your Social Security benefits may be taxable. Your limit for SALT (state and local taxes and sales tax) will be only $5000 per spouse. In many cases you will not be able to take the child and dependent care credit. The amount you can contribute to a retirement account will be affected. If you live in a community property state, you will be required to provide additional information regarding your spouse’s income. ( Community property states: AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI)
If you are using online TurboTax to prepare your returns, you will need to prepare two separate returns and pay twice since with online, you get one return per fee.
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894449-married-filing-jointly-vs-married-filing-separately
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901162-married-filing-separately-in-community-property-states
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894449-is-it-better-for-a-married-couple-to-file-jointly-or-separ...
**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.**
