Can I file MFS and itemize if my wife isn't filing?

[chungcw3]

I see that both spouses need to either use the standard deduction or itemized deduction with MFS, but how do you handle this is only one spouse is filing? My wife was stay at home and not filing. I'll get a bigger refund if I itemize. Can I do this or do I need to take the standard deduction?

[xmasbaby0]

   You need to file a joint return.  You can file a joint return even if one spouse had little or no income.  That way you get the highest married joint standard deduction of $31,500 for a married couple (+ $1600 for each spouse 65 or older).

If you were legally married at the end of 2025 your filing choices are married filing jointly or married filing separately when you prepare your 2025 return.

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 $31,500 (+ $1600 for each spouse 65 or older)  for 2025. 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 disadvantages of filing separately include: 

You cannot get earned income credit, 

You cannot get education credits or deductions for student loan interest. 

You cannot get the childcare credit

You have a lower amount of income on which to base the refundable additional child tax credit

85% of your Social Security benefits will be taxable even with no other income 

The amount you can contribute to a retirement account will be limited.

Capital loss deduction is less than if you file jointly

You cannot get the $6000 senior deduction

You cannot get the deductions for overtime or tips

 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) and your returns become very complicated.

 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://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/marriage/should-you-and-your-spouse-file-taxes-jointly-or-separ...

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/income/getting-married-mean-taxes/L2Rgma...

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/taxation/married-filing-separately-commu...

[DoninGA]

You can itemize when your filing status is Married Filing Separately.  If the program asks how your spouse is filing just indicate the they are itemizing their return also.

[Karis_F]

Yes. You can take itemized deductions when filing Married Filing Separately if your wife does not have a tax return filing requirement.

If your spouse were to file Married Filing Separately, she would also need to take itemized deductions versus the standard deduction if you file your return that way.

See this TurboTax article for more information:

When Married Filing Separately Will Save You Taxes

[chungcw3]

I filed MFS last year and took the standard deduction because I didn't think I could itemize. My wife didn't file taxes last year either. Can I go back and amend last year's return and change my deduction to itemized? How would I do this with TurboTax? I filed with TurboTax last year too. Would I have enter all my information again?

[Vanessa A]

Yes.  You can go back and change last years return to Itemized deductions instead of standard by Amending your return. 

No, you will not have to enter all of your information again if you used TurboTax last year.  If you used the desktop version, you can just open your tax return from last year and select Amend Your Return.  If you used the online version, you can log into your account then select your previous year returns and select Amend your return.  This will guide you through the process of amending your return and downloading last years software and transferring your last year return to the downloaded software. 

If you filed Married filing separately last year, and your wife didn't file taxes, then yes, you can still switch to the itemized deductions as it will not affect her.  However, it is possible that you could be better off filing a joint return (unless there are non-tax reasons you did not do so).  

Married Filing Jointly vs Separately: How Should You and Your Spouse File Taxes?

[chungcw3]

Where would I change the return to itemized deduction? When I went to filing status it just let me choose MFS. I didn't see the option in the deductions section either.

We did MFS because of her student loans.

[MarilynG1]

After entering all of your Deductions in TurboTax, Continue and you'll get a screen saying either 'Itemized Deductions are best for you' or 'Standard Deduction is best for you'.

There's a link where you can switch your deductions on that page.

@chungcw3 

[chungcw3]

What box should I check for step 11 A (amended information) and what date should I use? What is a copy of my federal finalization?

[Mike9241]

since your spouse isn't filing, you can use either method.

[chungcw3]

Would I check "Federal change accepted on" and use the date I check the box for the date? I clicked no for box C because I don't think I filed a federal form 1040X or Form 1045. Is that right? I used "changing from standard deduction to itemized" for box D. 

This is my first time amending a return and want to make sure I'm doing it right.