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New filing for spouse filing separated

 
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2 Replies
BrittanyS
Expert Alumni

New filing for spouse filing separated

Can you clarify if your trying to switch to married filing separate?

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New filing for spouse filing separated

Online is only good for 1 return per account.  But you can use the same email address for 5 accounts.   How to start another return in the Online version

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

 

The Desktop CD/Download program would be better to use.  It can do unlimited returns and will still be available after Oct 17 when Online shuts down.  And the Desktop program has other advantages.  

 

And may I ask why you are filing separate returns?  Sometimes people don't realize the differences between filing  Joint and MFS.

 

 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.

 

Also if you file Married Filing Separately up to 85`% of your Social Security becomes taxable right away even with zero other income.

 

See …….

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

 

If you filed Joint last year you should each start a brand new account and not transfer from last year.  You can not remove a spouse or switch the order of names.  See about removing a spouse is not recommended

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/family/help/how-do-i-remove-a-former-spouse-from-my-return/00/2720...

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