I'm getting divorce and think it will be final next week. Is there a way to estimate the tax savings from being able to file as married vs single?

[xmasbaby0]

If you are divorced by the end of 2019, you do not have a choice--you will have to file as single--or as Head of Household if you are the custodial parent.  Married filing separately or jointly is not an option.

[jillian-varney]

Thank you, yes - in our situation, we're headed to court next week with the intention of finalizing our divorce. My soon-to-be ex brought up this tax question and asked it I want to postpone finalizing until 2020. I don't, but wanted to try to do a little research on how hefty the impact will be. Thank you!

[NCperson]

if you purchase the downloaded version of TT, which is available now, you can run your incomes through the software and determine whether each filing single or filing joint makes better sense in 2019.  It's a small investment to determine that answer.  There are a lot of things that are not yet up-to-date in the 2019 software, but unless there is something ultra complicated in your return, it's unlikely to make a material difference, 

[Critter]

Well  if I were you  I would get the 2019 downloaded Deluxe version then do a couple of tests or a "What If" ...

or try the estimator tool : 
http://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/calculators/taxcaster  

 If you have never used the downloaded version before ....

This is my mini version of  a tutorial  that should be in the downloaded program: 

What is Forms Mode?

Forms Mode lets you view and make changes to your tax forms "behind the scenes."

If you're adventurous, you can even prepare your return in Forms Mode, but we don't recommend it. You may miss obscure credits and deductions you qualify for, and you may forget to report things that will come back and haunt you later.

Forms Mode is exclusively available in the TurboTax CD/Download software. It is not available in TurboTax Online.

Related Information:

• Why would I use Forms Mode?
• How do I switch to Forms Mode in the TurboTax for Windows software?
• How do I switch to Forms Mode in the TurboTax for Mac software?

If you want to play around with different figures and tax scenarios without affecting your original return you can ….

• >>>In the TurboTax CD/Download software by creating a test copy: 
•  Open your return in TurboTax. 
•  From the File menu, choose Save As. 
•  Give the copy a new name to distinguish it from the original (for example, by adding "Test" or "Example" to the file name). 
• Click  Save. You are now safely working in the test copy and anything you do here will not affect the original. 
• https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900642-how-to-make-a-test-copy-of-your-return

• >> use the WHAT IF tool: 
• - Click Forms Icon (upper right of screen) or Ctrl 2 (forms view) 
• - Click on the Open Form Icon 
• - In the “Type a form name.” area type What-If (with the dash), click on the name of the worksheet - click on Open Form 
• - You will see the worksheet on the right side of the screen; enter the information right into the form 
• - To get back to interview mode - click on the Step-by-Step Icon (upper right of screen) or Ctrl 1

It's always a good idea to make a backup copy of your tax data file, in case your original gets lost or corrupted. Here's how:

1. From the Filemenu in the upper-left corner of TurboTax, choose Save As (Windows) or Save (Mac).
2. Browse to where you want to save your backup.
   • Tip:If you're saving to a portable device, save it to your computer first to prevent data corruption. Then, after completing Step 4, copy or move the backup file to your device.
3. In the File namefield, enter a name that will distinguish it from the original tax file (for example, add "Backup" or "Copy" to the file name)
4. Click Saveand then close TurboTax.
5. Restart TurboTax and open the backup copy to make sure it's not corrupted. If you get an error, delete the backup and repeat these steps.

If you make changes to your original tax return file, repeat these steps to ensure your original and backup copies are in-synch.

Related Information:                             

• Retrieve a Tax File from a Portable Device
• What's the difference between the tax data file and the PDF file?

AND save it as a PDF so you have access to a copy even if you don’t have the program still installed and operational :

• How do I save my return as a PDF in the TurboTax software for Windows?
• How do I save my return as a PDF in the TurboTax software for Mac?

AND protect the files :

• How can I protect the tax files on my computer?