If my spouse and I are filing seperately why do I have to put down her earned income

djson85 — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 09:33:38 GMT

Re: If my spouse and I are filing seperately why do I have to put down her earned income

xmasbaby0 — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 00:58:04 GMT

Are you in a community property state?

Community property states: AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI

If I am filing a separate return why do I have to list my spouse’s information on my return?

Even if you file separate returns (the worst way to file) you each have to list each other's SSN's and some other information on your own tax return. The IRS can then cross check to make sure you are not "double dipping" for itemized deductions, dependents, etc.

If you are in a community property state, there is more information that will be needed.

Community property states: AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901162-married-filing-separately-in-community-property-states

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/marriage/five-tax-tips-for-community-property-states/L4jG7cq7Z

If you were legally married at the end of 2022 your filing choices are married filing jointly or married filing separately.

Married Filing Jointly is usually better, even if one spouse had little or no income. When you file a joint return, you and your spouse will get the married filing jointly standard deduction of $25,900 (+$1400 for each spouse 65 or older) You are eligible for more credits including education credits, earned income credit, child and dependent care credit, and a larger income limit to receive the child tax credit.

If you choose to file married filing separately, both spouses have to file the same way—either you both itemize or you both use standard deduction. Your tax rate will be higher than on a joint return. Some of the special rules for filing separately include: you cannot get earned income credit, education credits, adoption credits, or deductions for student loan interest. A higher percent of your Social Security benefits may be taxable. Your limit for SALT (state and local taxes and sales tax) will be only $5000 per spouse. In many cases you will not be able to take the child and dependent care credit. The amount you can contribute to a retirement account will be affected. If you live in a community property state, you will be required to provide additional information regarding your spouse’s income. ( Community property states: AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI)

If you are using online TurboTax to prepare your returns, you will need to prepare two separate returns and pay twice.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894449-married-filing-jointly-vs-married-filing-separately

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901162-married-filing-separately-in-community-property-states

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894449-is-it-better-for-a-married-couple-to-file-jointly-or-separately

Re: If my spouse and I are filing seperately why do I have to put down her earned income

TeresaM — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 01:06:04 GMT

If you live in a community property state, there are rules for dividing the income if you file Married Filing Separately. Community property states are Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. Different states have different rules, so TurboTax will prompt for the information.

For more details, please see this TurboTax Help article

topic If my spouse and I are filing seperately why do I have to put down her earned income in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

If my spouse and I are filing seperately why do I have to put down her earned income

Re: If my spouse and I are filing seperately why do I have to put down her earned income

Re: If my spouse and I are filing seperately why do I have to put down her earned income