How to compare jointlyVSseparately? It seems it selects either one because that the option we manually pick, not because it checks both options and compares.

[roger-piqueras]

I would like a screen at some point stating that Turbotax ran the numbers for both options and the one that gives a higher refund is XYZ.

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

TurboTax does not do that.  If you use desktop software you can use a feature called "What if" in Forms mode to compare MFS to MFJ.  Or when you use desktop software you have so much more flexibility, you can prepare multiple returns different ways to compare to each other.  Using online, you would need 3 accounts--one for each spouse's MFS return and one for a MFJ return.

If you were married at the end of 2017 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 each receive the $4050 personal exemption, plus the married filing jointly standard deduction of $12,700 (add $1250 for each spouse over the age of 65).  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.  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.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894449-married-filing-jointly-vs-married-filing-separately

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901162-married-filing-separately-in-community-property-states