How can I change my filing status on my 2024 return in TurboTax online? I want to change from not married filing joint to not married filing individual.

[LindaS5247]

If you want to change your filing status in TurboTax Online from Married Filing Jointly to Married Filing Separately you can do the following:

1. Click on the search icon (magnifying glass)  at the top right of your TurboTax screen.
2. Type "filing status" in the search bar that pop up
3. Click on the link "Jump to filing status"
4. It will take you to the questions about yourself and your family
5. Continue through your screens until you come to "About Your Household"
6. Click on "Married" and more options will appear
7. Select "Plan to file separately"
8. Select "Continue"

Your screen will look something like this:

Click here or "How to Change Your Tax Filing Status"

[xmasbaby0]

Sounds like you are confused about filing status.

If you were legally married at the end of 2024 your filing choices are married filing jointly or married filing separately.

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 $29,200 (+ $1550 for each spouse 65 or older)  for 2024. 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 special rules for filing separately include: you cannot get earned income credit, education credits, adoption credits, or deductions for student loan interest. A higher percent of your Social Security benefits may be taxable. Your limit for SALT (state and local taxes and sales tax) will be only $5000 per spouse. In many cases you will not be able to take the child and dependent care credit. The amount you can contribute to a retirement account will be affected. 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)

 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...

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/taxation/married-filing-separately-commu...