married filing separate first time. how do you handle mortage ?

[2317rf]

first time filing married separate, as we are divorcing.  so with the online version, it appears we each have to have our own account ( buy two downloads) and just file each as if we are "single filers" but use married filing separate? ie. we both file our own fed and state using our own w2s etc. there is not a way, it appears on the premium version, for us to fill it out together. ie the program won't split it up for us at the end, correct? so if we file each on our own, we have to both file the same, either standard deduction or itemize. the question becomes for the mortgage, we each claim half of the numbers for interest and property tax etc? we will each have to file a separate state filing, too. (not a community state) the IRS will receive two separate, fed.

returns for same address and mortgage info.

[VolvoGirl]

Sorry the program can't split it up.  You each have to do a separate return.  If you have the Desktop CD/Download program you can use it for both returns.  You get 5 efiles.  In the Online version you each need to start a new separate account and pay for each.  

If you used Turbo Tax last year you should start a brand new account for yourself and not transfer from last year.  You can not remove a spouse or switch the order of names.

Oh but if you not divorced yet you can still file a Joint return.  Joint should be better than Married filing Separate.  

[CatinaT1]

You can file together. You do not need to file separately. If you file separately, yes you would both claim half of the mortgage interest. If one itemizes, you both have to itemize. 

If one uses the standard deduction, then both use the standard deduction.

It is almost always better to file jointly.  There are some special circumstances where it is better to file separately. 

Here is a great article explaining the advantages of filing jointly and the consequences of filing separately.  It also gives you some instances when it might be better to file separately. 

Filing Jointly vs Separately