I’ve used Turbo tax for years now. I only filed once married and joint. I need to file separate this year. Is it really necessary for me to start completely over?

[dreka2w]

My spouse and I are separated until divorce is filed. We need to do separate taxes. Is it really necessary for me to start completely over with turbo tax with me having a history with them before I got married?

[xmasbaby0]

Your past tax years cannot be transferred in to a 2021 tax return.   Only 2020 can be used to transfer data to a 2021 return.    It is very hard to get all of the "spouse stuff" out if you try to use the same account that you have used for a  2020 joint return---you can end up with errors when you try to file.  

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-start-another-return-in-turbotax-onli...

If you were still legally married at the end of 2021 then your choices are to file married filing jointly or married filing separately.

If you were legally married at the end of 2021 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 get the married filing jointly standard deduction of $25,100 (+$1350 for each spouse 65 or older)  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. Your limit for SALT (state and local taxes and sales tax) will be only $5000 per spouse. 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

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894449-is-it-better-for-a-married-couple-to-file-jointly-or-separ...

If you have custody of the children you might be able to file as Head of Household.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894553-do-i-qualify-for-head-of-household

[macuser_22]

Yes.  It is almost impossible to remove lal the spouse information form a joint return and the first listed spouse can never be removed - only part of the 2nd listed spouse can be.   It is highly advised to start over with a new account and start from scratch where no spouses info has ever been entered at all.

[Dreka22]

I definitely understand and I appreciate that information shared, but my spouse owes child support for his child he had with someone else. They took my refund last time when I filed and that’s the major reason why I didn’t want to file jointly. Is there any way around that? Do you know! 

[Dreka22]

Also.. we do have children together and we are separated right now. Just hadn’t had the $ to file for divorce just yet. Any information on that or suggestions? 

[xmasbaby0]

@Dreka22 How long have you been living separately?   If you have been living apart for at least the last six months of 2021 then you may be able to file as Head of Household if you have the kids.

Am I Head of Household?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894553-do-i-qualify-for-head-of-household

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2900097-what-is-a-qualifying-person-for-head-of-household

If you qualify as Head of Household, when you enter your filing status (single or married filing separately) into MyInfo, and then enter your qualifying dependent, TurboTax will offer HOH as your filing status.