We got married this year and both previously used TurboTax. Does it matter whose return/name we start with to start the 2021 return filing jointly? Trying to pick the one that will save the most time. Also, no name change as a result of marriage.
Thanks!
You can only use one account going forward and it doesn't matter who is listed first but once you pick an order DON"T change it as it confuses the IRS. So pick the one that is the most complicated and let the other account go dormant.
You can not transfer from or combine 2 returns or accounts. Just pick the return for the spouse that has the most complicated return to enter or has any depreciation or business or more investments. Or use the account/return for whoever you want to be listed first going forward (by the way you can not change the order of the names). Then add the other spouse's name, ssn and info to it.
You should usually file a Joint return which is only 1 return combined for the both of you. Joint has the lowest tax rates and the highest Standard Deduction. And if you are in a Community Property state MFS gets tricky to figure out. Make sure to stick with this one account for the future. Just ignore the other spouse's account.
Getting Married FAQ
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-filing-status/help/what-does-getting-married-mean-for-my-taxes/00/1756642
Tax info on getting married
https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/marriage/getting-married/L0DvEUlEC