I have recently gotten married in 2021 and wondering if my husband and I can file jointly through turbo tax on the free additional. If both of our situations are simple?

[stindtle]

We have both filed through turbo tax in the past as singles.  How do we move forward as joint with two separate profiles as well?

[xmasbaby0]

How to start a new joint return

When you enter your own 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 would then enter your spouse's information into Personal Info.  Whenever you are entering income information there should then be a spot for you and for your spouse's income information.

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.

Best Wishes!

[xmasbaby0]

And...going forward.....when you file a  joint return, you do not maintain two "separate profiles."   You will have ONE account.   Abandon the other one----but keep a record of how to access it in case you ever need to look at a past return.

[stindtle]

If we both have what would be considered simple returns. Would we qualify for the free edition? 

[HelenC12]

Start in the TurboTax free version. If you need to upgrade to a higher version, TurboTax will let you know. 

You won't be able to combine or merge your separate profiles.  You should use the TurboTax existing account who's name you want first on the joint return, then just enter the other's information as you go through the interviews.

A simple tax return is Form 1040 only. It only includes the following:

• W-2 income
• Limited interest and dividend income reported on a 1099-INT or 1099-DIV
• Claiming the standard deduction
• Earned Income Tax Credit (EIC)
• Child tax credits
• Student Loan Interest deduction.

It doesn't include: 

• Itemized deductions
• Unemployment income reported on a 1099-G
• Business or 1099-NEC income
• Stock sales
• Rental property income
• Credits, deductions and income reported on schedules 1-3

[stindtle]

How can I start in the turbo tax free version of my existing account and then add in my spouse? Also, if I input items that could be considering for itemizing but then end up taking the standard deduction, would turbo tax remove the free option? If that's the case, it seems like if you know you will end up with the standard that you shouldn't input any amounts that "could" be itemized. 

[ColeenD3]

You can add your husband to your account. If you upgrade to itemize, you will have to clear and start over the return to go back to the free one.

Since you have your husband's account, you could practice in his and then abandon it once you know which way you want to go.

[stindtle]

So just to confirm, to utilize the free for filing jointly, I will need to start over?

Also, if I know the standard deduction will be better for us than itemizing, is it best to just not input any numbers into turbo tax that could be considered for itemizing? I don't want that to kick us out of the free version if we end up just taking the standard deduction. 

[EbonyL122824]

No. Unless you actually itemize or if something else on your tax return would require an upgrade to Deluxe or another version of TurboTax. Use this link here to contact Customer Support if you need further assistance. 

@stindtle