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New Member
posted Jun 6, 2019 7:34:34 AM

Change from filing single to joint

Our returns are ready to file as married filing single, I want to switch from single to filing jointly to see if that is better for us, and if it is not I will switch back to filing singly before submitting the return(s) tonight...
Question is will this mess anything up on the system?
Thanks

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1 Best answer
Level 15
Jun 6, 2019 7:34:37 AM

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.

3 Replies
New Member
Jun 6, 2019 7:34:35 AM

sorry, please refresh and disregard about clear and start over.

Level 15
Jun 6, 2019 7:34:37 AM

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.

New Member
Jun 6, 2019 7:34:40 AM

It should not mess anything up. Just change your Status, and when you review it should prompt you to make any other necessary adjustments. Usually married filing jointly is more advantageous for most married couples.

You may want to open a new account (new username) to set up the comparison filing, instead of doing a "clear and start over" or otherwise altering the return you have already filled out.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/5659877