Filing Jointly vs separately

[MargaretL · Accepted solution]

If you are asking which status if more beneficial - filing jointly is generally- it allows practically all credits and deductions if you qualify for them and it gives you a bigger refund or less tax due. Filing separately has a higher tax rate and you lose many tax credits:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894449-is-it-better-for-a-married-couple-to-file-jointly-or-separ...

If you are asking how to compare both statuses in TurboTax: 

• If you are using TurboTax online - you would have to create three separate accounts and prepare two separate returns, then one joint - and compare the results.
• If you are using cd/download software, see article below:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/4775330

[r_e_aldridge]

The answer also depends on the State income tax, which sometimes is more favorable to the Married Filing Separately (MFS) status.