My wife and I got married this July. She was working as an au pair. How do I file jointly?

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

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.

Start a return and enter your name and info.  It will ask if you are single or married.  When you pick married a box will open for her name and info.  Then when you enter any forms like W2s or 1099s be sure to pick who it is for.  That is very important.    When you get married you are considered married for the whole year even if you got married on Dec 31.  

Getting Married FAQ
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-filing-status/help/what-does-getting-married-mean-for-my-taxes...

Tax info on getting married
https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/marriage/getting-married/L0DvEUlEC

Did you both use Turbo Tax last year?

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.

[Mike9241]

Even though you got married in July, filing jointly you include her income /expenses for the entire year.