Hi - I filed our taxes Married Filing Jointly. How can I now see results Married Filing Separately? This might benefit us this year. Thank you

[MaryK4]

Important: If you have already filed your return, do not change your filing status in that file. You must create a new test file or wait to amend.

TurboTax Desktop

The Desktop version has a built-in "What-If" tool designed specifically for this comparison:

1. Go to the Forms icon in the top right.
2. In the top menu bar, select Analysis and then What-If Worksheet.
3. On the worksheet, check the box for "MFS Comparison" at the top.
4. The software will automatically split your joint data into two columns (Taxpayer and Spouse) so you can see which status results in a lower combined tax liability.

TurboTax Online

TurboTax Online does not have a "toggling" tool. To see the results, you have to create a separate "Mock" return:

1. Do not change your current return if it has already been filed or if you want to keep the data safe.
2. Log out and create a new TurboTax account with a different username.
3. Start a new return and select Married Filing Separately.
4. Enter only your income and deductions, then repeat the process for your spouse in a third account.
5. Compare the combined total of the two separate returns against your original joint return.

[xmasbaby0]

The IRS does not allow you to amend from filing a joint return to filing married filing separately after the filing deadline on April 15, 2026.

As for whether MFS or MFJ is better:

If you were legally married at the end of 2025 your filing choices are married filing jointly or married filing separately when you prepare your 2025 return.

Married Filing Jointly is usually better, even if one spouse had little or no income. When you file a joint return, you and your spouse will get the married filing jointly standard deduction of $31,500 (+ $1600 for each spouse 65 or older)  for 2025. You are eligible for more credits including education credits, earned income credit, child and dependent care credit, and a larger income limit to receive the child tax credit. 

If you choose to file married filing separately, both spouses have to file the same way—either you both itemize or you both use standard deduction. Your tax rate will be higher than on a joint return.

 Some of the disadvantages of filing separately include: 

You cannot get earned income credit, 

You cannot get education credits or deductions for student loan interest. 

You cannot get the childcare credit

You have a lower amount of income on which to base the refundable additional child tax credit

85% of your Social Security benefits will be taxable even with no other income 

The amount you can contribute to a retirement account will be limited.

Capital loss deduction is less than if you file jointly

You cannot get the $6000 senior deduction

You cannot get the deductions for overtime or tips

 If you live in a community property state, you will be required to provide additional information regarding your spouse’s income. ( Community property states:  AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI) and your returns become very complicated.

 If  you are using online TurboTax to prepare your returns, you will need to prepare two separate returns and pay twice since with online, you get one return per fee.

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/marriage/should-you-and-your-spouse-file-taxes-jointly-or-separ...

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/income/getting-married-mean-taxes/L2Rgma...

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