It depends. Let's answer the questions in reverse order.
- You do not need to enter the spouse's W2 income into your return.
- Reason you are doing 50/50 splits because this would is what is required in community property states. If this requirement didn't exist, then you be able to make any split you like. Look at it like what is mine is mine and what is your is yours without any regard to a 50/50 split. Not allowed to do that in a community property state.
- As far as determining income, I have always prepared returns by combining totals of all W2's and then enter the 50/50 split in Turbo Tax. The information entered on your W2.
- For an example, your wages will appear in the community property wages screen. You will then enter your spouses total wages in the screen. Same is true for all other types of income and deductions. When all the reporting is done, Turbo Tax will determine the 50/50 split.
- Note some of the income such as dividends and interest may be reported in your return but your spouse might not have any. If this is the case, you will enter 0 in your spouse's entry
- To get to this section, type in 8958 in the search bar and then when it says Jump to 8958, this will bring you to the section to begin reporting this. Your spouse will do the same thing in theirs.
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