DawnC
Expert Alumni

Get your taxes done using TurboTax

You will have the option to choose Married filing Separate when you enter your marital status.  But be careful, the is generally the worst filing status you can choose.   Generally, filing jointly will give you a bigger refund or less taxes due. When you file separately, your tax rate is higher and you won't be able to claim:

 

 

On top of that, if you live in the community property states of Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, or Wisconsin, you have to deal with community property allocations and adjustments, which adds extra work and complexity to your tax preparation chores.

 

Tip: Only taxpayers who were still legally married as of December 31, 2020 are able to file as married, whether jointly or separately.

 

Filing jointly means you file one tax return. When filing separately, you file two tax returns.

 

Want to compare filing jointly vs. separately?

Why would I want to file separately?

Filing Separately? Use TurboTax CD/Download

 

 

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