With the online version of TT, can enter data as MFS and see results, do the same for my wife. Then can I enter mine and her data and file MFJ for the final return?

Dumbbunny1 — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:07:28 GMT

We are not a 50/50 marriage. Doing a mock MFS for each of us shows us our individual Income:Tax ratio. We then files MSJ and figure out how to split the refunds based upon the ratio. I used to download the software so I could work out the three scenarios but TT requires a later OS on my computer. Can I work work out MFS scenarios on the online version but then submit a MFJ tax form and pay only for one.

Re: With the online version of TT, can enter data as MFS and see results, do the same for my wife. Then can I enter mine and her data and file MFJ for the final return?

xmasbaby0 — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 22:04:22 GMT

If you want to use online software to compare MFJ to MFS---you need to prepare THREE returns. You only pay for the ones you actually file.

It is not easy to compare MFJ to MFS using online TT but you can do it. Since you only get one return for each account and user ID, you have to use 3 accounts and user ID’s—one for MFJ and two for each of the MFS returns. Compare, choose, and file—and pay—accordingly.

It is much easier to do this comparison using the desktop version of TT installed from a CD or downloaded to your own computer. You pay once for the software and you can prepare multiple returns easily, and it has a “what if” feature that allows comparisons.

If you were legally married at the end of 2023 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 $27,700 (+$1500 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 since with online, you get one return per fee.

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: With the online version of TT, can enter data as MFS and see results, do the same for my wife. Then can I enter mine and her data and file MFJ for the final return?

Dumbbunny1 — Sun, 14 Jan 2024 15:31:55 GMT

Thanks for your answer. I usually purchase the download version of TT so I can create 2 mock forms (MFS for my wife and I) and 1 final return (MFJ). However, TT now requires my Mac to use Monterey and my Mac won't support that OS. I refuse to give more money to Apple by upgrading. I will search out other options for filing my taxes and regrettably it won't be TT.

topic With the online version of TT, can enter data as MFS and see results, do the same for my wife. Then can I enter mine and her data and file MFJ for the final return? in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

With the online version of TT, can enter data as MFS and see results, do the same for my wife. Then can I enter mine and her data and file MFJ for the final return?

Re: With the online version of TT, can enter data as MFS and see results, do the same for my wife. Then can I enter mine and her data and file MFJ for the final return?

Re: With the online version of TT, can enter data as MFS and see results, do the same for my wife. Then can I enter mine and her data and file MFJ for the final return?