@Howard424 wrote:
I am not able to proceed filing cuz the system is forcing to to select MFJ, and if I checked MFJ the filing status on IRS forms will be modified, which I do not want that, I need file MFS. And II am not able to uncheck anything on my spouse's info since the box is locked and unable to Edit.
Just change it to MFJ, exit out of the personal interview, then go back in, edit your spouse's information, then change the status back to MFS. Even if the "dependent" box is not checked, you should be able to select MFS manually, even though Turbotax may advise you that you might pay less taxes filing jointly.
Also, for what it's worth, you are always allowed to file jointly with your spouse if you are married, even if you are living apart. Assuming her income is less than $5200 (which must be the case if she can be claimed as a dependent, unless she is disabled) then you would probably pay a couple thousand dollars less tax by filing jointly. The one downside is that you become jointly responsible for any facts on the tax return. If it turns out she is cheating on her taxes (such as, working under the table in order to claim welfare benefits) then you would be stuck with the bill for that if she got caught. So maybe separate filing is best, only you can know. But I wanted to point out that joint filing is an allowable option. The child who claims her would lose a $500 dependent credit but your tax savings would almost certainly be more.
