If you started a joint return, didn't file it yet, and want to switch the primary taxpayer listed on the return to Married Filing Separately, follow these instructions. If you already transferred info over from last year's joint return, it's best to start over with a brand new return that has nothing transferred over.

1. Open or continue your return.
2. Select My Info in the left menu.
3. On the Personal info summary screen, select Edit next to Marital Status.
4. On the Let's confirm your marital status screen, answer No to Do you want to file this return together with your spouse?
5. Select Continue and follow the instructions.
6. Once you're back at the Personal info summary screen, go through your federal and state returns again, just to make sure everything looks OK and makes sense.
7. Have your spouse create a new return for themselves, if they're also filing this year.
   • We've got instructions on how to do this in TurboTax Online.
   • We can also help if you're doing this in the CD/Download version.

File on paper via US Mail

write "court protection" in the other SSN box.

Do both parties have to do this?

If you have the SSN from a copy of a prior tax return, other tax document or IRS transcript (if not hidden), then you can enter it and e-File.