Combining Taxes After Marriage

[Anonymous]

I got married this year. We've both used TurboTax desktop software. I was thinking of importing both of our tax files, but I didn't know if TT is smart enough to combine them, or if one history will override the other. For example, how will it handle carryforward losses and other data in worksheets? How do I do this?

[xmasbaby0]

Best Wishes!  Sorry---you cannot transfer both of your 2022 tax files to start your new 2023 joint return.  Choose the one that was the most complicated, and then enter the information from the other spouse from scratch.

When you enter your own information in My Info, you have to answer the question "Were you married?"  If you click the button for Married, then a drop down will appear that asks, "Do you want to file this return together with your spouse?"  Then you choose yes to file a joint return.  You would then enter your spouse's information into Personal Info.  Whenever you are entering income information there should then be a spot for you and for your spouse's income information.

When you prepare a joint return you include all the information for both spouses on the SAME tax return.  Include all of your personal information, all of your income from every source, all dependents (if any), all credits and deductions for both of you.  You get ONE refund with both names on it.

[Critter-3]

FYI ... it really doesn't matter who is listed as the taxpayer or spouse on the return however once you have chosen the order on the first joint return please leave the order the same going forward no matter who earns what... switching the order can confuse the IRS which is to be avoided at all costs.

[SteamTrain]

i.e  (if not already clear)

...whichever person's 2022 tax file you choose to transfer in to the 2023 file.....that person will be, and must remain in the "Taxpayer" position, and the other person will be in the "Spouse" position for 2023 and onward.