My husband and I filed MFJ in 2021. We were separated in 2023 and want to file MFS in 2022. We live in California. How does TurboTax handle this?

[sawerth]

Do we transfer our 2021 return into 2022, input all of our individual tax forms and change the MFJ to MFS.  Will TurboTax generate two MFS returns?

[rjs]

TurboTax will not split your MFJ tax return into two separate MFS returns. The safest way to handle your situation is to start two new 2022 MFS returns, one for each of you, without transferring any information from your 2021 MFJ return. Enter everything from scratch, as if you didn't use TurboTax for 2021.

Do not attempt to start a 2022 MFJ return and remove one spouse or the other to change it to MFS. It's practically impossible to do that without creating errors in the return that you will not be able to fix.

[rjs]

A TurboTax Online account can only be used for one tax return. To prepare two separate returns, one of you will have to create a new account. You cannot use the same account for both returns. You might prefer to create two new accounts, so that neither of you is using the account with your 2021 MFJ return.

[VolvoGirl]

If you were not divorced by 12/31/22 you can still file a Joint return.  Which might work out better.  Here's some things to consider about filing separately……

In the first place you each have to file a separate return, so that's two returns.  And if you are using the Online version that means using 2 accounts and paying the fees twice.  

Many people think they come out better when filing Married Filing Separate but they are probably doing it wrong.  If one person itemizes deductions on Schedule A then the other one must itemize too, even if it's less than the standard deduction, even if it is ZERO!  And if you are in a Community Property state it can be complicated to figure out.

And there are several credits you can't take when filing separately, like the

EITC Earned Income Tax Credit

Child Care Credit

Educational Deductions and Credits

And contributions to IRA and ROTH IRA are limited when you file MFS.

See …….

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/married/help/is-it-better-for-a-married-couple-to-file-jointly-or-...