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Can I start a TurboTax return if I change my filing from married filing jointly to separately today?

I'm considering converting my 2021 filing from married filing jointly to married filing separately for each of us because TurboTax says that will save us some money, but I'm not sure if I can start anew on TurboTax to complete it by October 31, 2022. I need to know if I can start my wife's return today (or at least before October 31, 2022).
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3 Replies

Can I start a TurboTax return if I change my filing from married filing jointly to separately today?

No.  You are too late to start a new return using online TurboTax.   If you need to start over and switch to separate returns you will need the CD/download on a full PC or Mac.

 

Are you sure you will save money by filing separately----usually the worst way to file?   

 

If you were legally married at the end of 2021 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 $25,100 (+$1350 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-separ...

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**

Can I start a TurboTax return if I change my filing from married filing jointly to separately today?

If you have already filed a joint 2021 return you CANNOT amend to file separate returns now.  

Can I start a TurboTax return if I change my filing from married filing jointly to separately today?

And  how did Turbo Tax tell  you that filing separate might be better?  I don't think it does t hat.  

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