I have started my Virginia tax returns; however, I cannot find where I change my filing status from married filing joint to married filing separately. How do I do this?

Level 12

Oct 20, 2024 8:51:59 AM

You have to prepare one federal return for joint that you will file and then mock returns MFS and then the two state returns. Online does not let you do that.

Level 15

Oct 20, 2024 8:58:23 AM

Are you using the Online version? Online has closed for 2023. You have to switch to the Desktop program which is better to separate state returns anyway .

See this article on how to file a joint federal return and file separate state returns…..
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-prepare-a-joint-federal-return-and-separate-state-returns/00/25564

You need to do 3 separate federal returns. One for Joint and 1 for each spouse to do the mock separate federal return to do the separate state returns.

If you are using the online version it will be cheaper and easier to do it in the desktop version. Contact Customer Service to give you the desktop program download.

TO SWITCH TO DESKTOP

You need to install the program on your computer and move your online return to the Desktop program.
How to install the Desktop program
https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/product-delivery/download-software-turbotax-com/L7u9oLEkq_US_en_US?uid=luqgvzrd

How to install & Activate the CD/Download program with a License Code
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-topics/help/activating-turbotax-cd-download-software/00/852971

Then you can download the .tax2023 data file without paying for Online and continue in the desktop version.

First save your return as a tax data file from Online
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/saving/help/how-do-i-save-my-turbotax-online-return-as-a-tax-data-file/00/25740

See how to switch to the Desktop program,
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/choosing-a-product/help/how-do-i-switch-from-turbotax-online-to-the-turbotax-software/00/26129

After you get the program installed the first thing to do before you open your tax return is to update the program and install any state programs you had. Then open your file. So you first might need to start a fake return to be able to download the state program (go to FILE - NEW). Enter some basic information, then go to the state tab and download the state program. Then try to open your existing return, go to FILE - OPEN

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I have started my Virginia tax returns; however, I cannot find where I change my filing status from married filing joint to married filing separately. How do I do this?