Can i do a joint and a single return and decide which one I want to file?

[PBTaxes]

want to see what I would get back filing separate before filing joint

[VolvoGirl]

It's not Single.  It would be MFS Married filing Separate.

To compare Joint to MFS.  If you are using the Online version, do NOT change anything on your return.  You would have to start with a new account and do a test return.  You don't have to pay unless you want to print it out.  So you might need 3 accounts, one for Joint and two MFS, one for each spouse.

How to Compare Joint to Married Filing Separately

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/married/help/how-can-we-compare-married-filing-jointly-with-marrie...

How to start another return in the Online version

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-start-another-return-in-turbotax-onli...

[VolvoGirl]

Unless you have a specific reason to file separate returns,

It is usually better to file Joint. Joint has the lowest tax rates and the highest Standard Deduction.   And if you are in a Community Property state MFS gets tricky to figure out.  Here's some things to consider about filing separately……

In the first place you each have to file a separate return, so that's two returns.  And if you are using the Online version that means using 2 accounts and paying the fees twice.  

Many people think they come out better when filing Married Filing Separate but they are probably doing it wrong.  If one person itemizes deductions then the other one must itemize too, even if it's less than the standard deduction, even if it is ZERO!  

And there are several credits you can't take when filing separately, like the

EITC Earned Income Tax Credit

Child Care Credit

Educational Deductions and Credits

And contributions to IRA and ROTH IRA are limited when you file MFS.

Also if you file Married Filing Separately up to 85`% of your Social Security becomes taxable right away even with zero other income.

See …….

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/married/help/is-it-better-for-a-married-couple-to-file-jointly-or-...

[Critter-3]

First if you are married you cannot file as single ... your choices are jointly or separately.  

Now ... this would be much easier if you used the downloaded version  but if you want to try this with the ONLINE version then start with the separately path first ... then add the spouse.  Remember if you file separately you must BOTH either used the standard deduction OR  itemize deductions ... you cannot do one of each choice.   Then if you decide to file separately you would need to remove all the spouse's income & deductions. 

[VolvoGirl]

It would be better to use the Desktop CD/Download program.  It can do unlimited returns and has a What If worksheet to compare them and many other advantages over the online version.

You can buy the Desktop CD/Download program here

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download/ 

[Anonymous]

if you do want a print out of the various versions then the desktop version would likely be cheaper - one price and you can do as many returns as you like for free.   regardless make sure you don't file the wrong version.