Is there a way to trial your return as married filing separately? I have already prepared a joint return, but we are getting with with AMT due to ISOs for one of us.

[matthewjstephens]

Can I duplicate my report to try this out?

[xmasbaby0]

It is not easy to compare MFJ to MFS using online TT but you can do it.  Since you only get one return for each account and user ID, you have to use 3 accounts and user ID’s—one for MFJ and two for each of the MFS returns.  Compare, choose, and file—and pay—accordingly.

It is much easier to do this comparison using the desktop version of TT installed from a CD or downloaded to your own computer.  You pay once for the software and you can prepare multiple returns easily, and it has a “what if” feature that allows comparisons.

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...

[samW1]

you can just create a new filing but do not click file at the end.  This should calculate the return if you choose "married but file separately".  Turbo tax allows you to enter tax return up to 5 people if I understood correctly.  Save the work you did by file save as..... but do not file.

[Mike9241]

I agree with @xmasbaby0 your best and cheapest choice is desktop software provided you have a computer on which you can install it. considering how amt is figured, you only get 1/2 the exemption MFS, so I would be surprised if MFS was cheaper but!.  for MFS if one itemizes both must itemize or if one uses the standard  deduction both must use it   

here are links to see if your system meets the minimum requirements

windows

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/system-requirements/help/minimum-system-requirements-for-turbotax-... 

mac

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/system-requirements/help/minimum-system-requirements-for-turbotax-...