No, it isn't the program that is confused - it is working exactly as the IRS wants.
The problem is that it is not at all obvious to the casual taxpayer that the annual HSA contribution limit is shared between the two spouses, and that for purposes of calculating the annual HSA contribution limit, the other spouse's Self-only (or Family) limit is ignored. But TurboTax will fill out the 8889 for each spouse if needed (only needed if each spouse has an HSA) and automatically allocate the HDHP coverage as needed between the two spouses.
Making so that both spouses enter as Self-only does not work, for a variety of reasons. After all, with Family coverage, one spouse can contribute $8,300 to an HSA, which would be OK for Family coverage and not OK for Self-only.
The problem with DIY software (which TurboTax is) is that it has to assume that you have some knowledge of tax. Otherwise, the program would be infinitely larger, full of screens that do nothing but teach you tax law.
Could TurboTax do it? Yes, but at some point, they have to limit their Learn More links. That's why we are here, to answer tax questions that are not obvious.
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