turbotax icon
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Announcements
Close icon
Do you have a TurboTax Online account?

We'll help you get started or pick up where you left off.

I have entered married filing separately tax forms in myself and wife in my PC based TurboTax. To test a married filing jointly how do I combine or copy one to start?

 
x
Do you have an Intuit account?

Do you have an Intuit account?

You'll need to sign in or create an account to connect with an expert.

2 Replies

I have entered married filing separately tax forms in myself and wife in my PC based TurboTax. To test a married filing jointly how do I combine or copy one to start?

Yes copy one to be the primary person on the Joint return.  Like open your MFS return and go to FILE - SAVE AS and give it another name.  Then change it to Married filing together under Personal Info.  Then add all her info to it.

If you had done the Joint return first (or maybe it works on a separate return too) you can do a What-If worksheet.  Go to Forms Mode (click Forms at the top) and click Open Form.  The What-if form is near the bottom of the US1040 listing (you have to hunt for it).  You can play with that.

I have entered married filing separately tax forms in myself and wife in my PC based TurboTax. To test a married filing jointly how do I combine or copy one to start?

Here's some info..........
Unless you have a specific reason to file separate returns,
It is usually better to file Joint. Joint has the lowest tax rates and the highest Standard Deduction.   And if you are in a Community Property state MFS gets tricky to figure out.  Here's some things to consider about filing separately……

In the first place you each have to file a separate return, so that's two returns.  And if you are using the Online version that means using 2 accounts and paying the fees twice.  

Many people think they come out better when filing Married Filing Separate but they are probably doing it wrong.  If one person itemizes deductions then the other one must itemize too, even if it's less than the standard deduction, even if it is ZERO!  

And there are several credits you can't take when filing separately, like the
EITC Earned Income Tax Credit
Child Care Credit
Educational Deductions and Credits

And contributions to IRA and ROTH IRA are limited when you file MFS.

Also if you file Married Filing Separately up to 85`% of your Social Security becomes taxable right away even with zero other income.

See …….
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894449-married-filing-jointly-vs-married-filing-separately">https...>

message box icon

Get more help

Ask questions and learn more about your taxes and finances.

Post your Question