My wife and I are wanting to file our taxes as Married Jointly but want to run through separate accounts. Are we able to file as “jointly”? but to where I would just put my wages and income in my accounts. And she would just put her wages and income on hers.
You'll need to sign in or create an account to connect with an expert.
No, that is not the way you prepare a joint return. Are you newlyweds who have never filed jointly before?
ALL of your combined income and information has to go on the SAME Form 1040.
How to start a new joint return
You will not be able to merge two previous TT account to start your new joint return. You can transfer ONE of your 2023 returns into a new return, so choose the most complicated one. The other spouse’s information needs to be entered manually. The first name you enter will be the “primary” taxpayer——and in subsequent years you need to keep the names in that order—do not try to change the order of the names.
When you enter the primary spouse’s 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 enter your spouse's information into My Info. Whenever you are entering income information there should then be a spot for you and for your spouse's income information. WATCH for the names as you enter income on the screens.
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.
Sorry, separate accounts cannot be combined when filing as Married Filing Jointly.
You can either use one of your accounts and enter all information for both of you for your joint filing. Or you can create a new account with a new User ID and only use that account for MFJ.
If both of you already have TT online accounts, make sure you keep a record of the "old" account that will not be used for the joint return, just in case you need to look at the old returns in that spouse's account someday. TT saves tax returns for seven years--then they are gone.
Still have questions?
Questions are answered within a few hours on average.
Post a Question*Must create login to post
Ask questions and learn more about your taxes and finances.
mroman2013
Level 1
Raph
Community Manager
in Events
popomama1
Level 2
Raph
Community Manager
in Events
MS461
Returning Member