If you are filing married filing separately, you and your spouse are required to file the same way. Either you both use your standard deduction or you both must use itemized deductions. It cannot be one of each. If one of you wants to use itemized deductions such as mortgage interest or property tax, charity donations, medical expenses, etc. the other spouse must also use itemized deductions---divided between the two of you as you choose--or if you are in a community property state according to the laws of your state. So even if one of you does not have enough itemized deductions to exceed your standard deduction, one of you suffers that disadvantage.
If you were legally married at the end of 2024 your filing choices are married filing jointly or married filing separately when you prepare your 2024 return .
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://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/marriage/should-you-and-your-spouse-file-taxes-jointly-or-separ...
https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/income/getting-married-mean-taxes/L2Rgma...
If I am filing a separate return why do I have to list my spouse’s information on my return?
Even if you file separate returns (the worst way to file) you each have to list each other's SSN's and some other information on your own tax return. The IRS can then cross check to make sure you are not "double dipping" for itemized deductions, dependents, etc.
If you are in a community property state, there is more information that will be needed.
Community property states: AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901162-married-filing-separately-in-community-property-states
https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/marriage/five-tax-tips-for-community-property-states/L4jG7cq7Z
You posted your question from online "Live" Deluxe----so if you need more help you should contact the tax expert you are paying the extra fee for.
You can arrange for the Live help you are paying the extra fee for with your questions from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time.
https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/product-setup/connect-tax-expert-turbota...
**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.**
