@Jason999 Your question is not only complex, but somewhat confusing. You indicated that you are preparing an individual (MFJ) return for 2018, but have an NOL for 2018? Obviously, you are aware that you use an NOL by deducting it from your income in another tax year or years but, again, I am not sure whether that resolves the issue here.
Generally, if you have an NOL for a tax year ending in 2018, you must carry the loss forward to future years. You may carry the losses forward indefinitely.
