Can I change it to married and filing jointly if I started my return as married and filing separately? My husband has not even begun to file his.

[xmasbaby0]

Yes----

How to start a new joint return

You will not be able to merge two previous TT account to start your new joint return.  You can transfer ONE of your 2023 returns into a new return, so choose the most complicated one.  The other spouse’s information needs to be entered manually.  The first name you enter will be the “primary” taxpayer——and in subsequent years you need to keep the names in that order—do not try to change the order of the names.

When you enter the primary spouse’s information in My Info, you have to answer the question "Were you married?"  If you click the button for Married, then a drop down will appear that asks, "Do you want to file this return together with your spouse?"  Then you choose YES to file a joint return.  You enter your spouse's information into My Info.  Whenever you are entering income information there should then be a spot for you and for your spouse's income information.  WATCH for the names as you enter income on the screens.  Or when you click to add income it will prompt you to choose which spouse had the income.

When you prepare a joint return you include all the information for both spouses on the SAME tax return.  Include all of your personal information, all of your income from every source, all dependents (if any), all credits and deductions for both of you.  You get ONE refund with both names on it.

[ambizzy]

@xmasbaby0 - thank you for that information!

I understand I can start one as filing jointly, but I've already entered my information for 2024, how can I now enter his without having to re-enter all of mine?  His is very simple.

[SharonD007 · Accepted solution]

Yes, you can change your filing status to Married Filing Jointly. Change your filling status on the Personal profile screen. 

1. Select your name under Your info
2. Select Edit/Review.

Once you change your filing status, TurboTax will prompt you to add your spouses' information.

Refer to the TurboTax help article How Should You and Your Spouse File Taxes? Married Filing Jointly vs Separately for information on MFS and MFJ.

@ambizzy 

[VolvoGirl]

Just go back to My Info and Edit your name and go through it again.  When you get to the Are you married question pick Married then you want to file with your spouse this time.  Then a box will open up for him name etc.  

Then you enter his income the same way you entered yours and it will ask who the W2 or 1099 belongs to.

[ambizzy]

Perfect!  I just didn't hit continue when I went back to revisit my name.  Thank you so much!

[xmasbaby0]

This is all going on ONE  tax return-----the one you already started.  So now you have to go back to MY INFO--click your name and go back to that screen that asked if you were married ----say YES.  Then it asks if you want to file together with your spouse.  Say YES.   After that it will ask for some information for him like his SSN, date of birth, etc. etc.   Enter all of that.   Once you have it in there, then you will need to enter his income.   Every income screen will have a spot for his income if you just click it----for instance if you click Add W-2---it will ask if the W-2 is for you or your spouse by name.   Etc etc for all the income screens.

You can look at the Form 1040 and see that it shows that you are filing a joint return---Look at the "filing status" just below the address on top half of your 1040.   The box for "Married filing jointly" should be checked.

PREVIEW 1040

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-return/preview-turbotax-online-retur...