Does TurboTax Calculate Whether Joint or Separate Filing Better?

[BH3]

TurboTax recommends that my spouse and I file jointly, but this recommendation appears to be based on the general assumption that filing jointly reduces taxes, and not on a specific assessment of our income and tax situation.  Does the software review the data inputs regarding my spouse's and my finances to determine whether joint or separate filing is better?  The software appears to ask me if I'd prefer to file jointly or separately at the outset before collecting data.  It recommends filing jointly as it normally saves money.  But whether I choose joint for separate filing, TurboTax's rationale for this decision is not "filing jointly/separately appears to maximize your return" but rather "filing jointly is best because you decided to file jointly."  This seems like circular logic, but I'm hoping there is an actual calculation that runs the tax return(s) jointly and separately to determine the optimum course.  Thanks for your input.

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

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.

[cyber_nicco]

So, you mean that TT let's you do it twice and you can compare the outcome?  That doesn't seem like much of a time saver...

[rhondaverret1]

Where is the what if feature?

[DawnC]

It is only available in the desktop program.  @rhondaverret1 

If you're using TurboTax Desktop, try this:

1. Open your return and select Forms.
2. Select Open Form, enter What-If Worksheet (it may appear as What-If Wks), and select Open Form.
3. Select the MFJ vs. MFS box.
4. Scroll down to Balance Due (Refund) located under Line 72.
5. The second column shows the federal outcome for a joint return, and the third and fourth columns show the outcome for the taxpayer and spouse if filing separately.
   • Negative numbers are refunds and positive numbers are taxes due.