data import for 2 individual returns in 2020; married filing jointly in 2021

[ajsm91]

I have used Turbo Tax Home and Biz for several years now to prepare individual tax returns for me and my spouse (we were married in 2021).  When I opened up TT 2021, it asked me which returns from 2020 I would like to import.  I foolishly only chose my return (maybe I only got to pick one?).  My question is...I have completed my part of the 2021 return, but how do I now put the information in for my spouse?  We are both self employed so I need to complete a Schedule C for him, and would like to have his past year's data there for me to look at.

In addition, although I have chosen Married Filing Jointly, the data at the very top of my screen says:

2021 Smith A Form 1040 Individual Tax Return.tax2021

Thanks in advance!

[xmasbaby0]

You cannot transfer more than one 2020 tax file into a new 2021 return.   So when starting a new 2021 joint return, you should choose the most complicated one to transfer.    The other spouse's information simply has to be entered from scratch.

And did you really set up the return as a joint return?   

When you enter your own 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 would then enter your spouse's information into Personal Info.  Whenever you are entering income information there should then be a spot for you and for your spouse's income information.

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.

[ajsm91]

Thanks so much for this very helpful information!  I believe I remember it asking that question about being married and choosing yes, but I guess I didn't do it right.  Is there a way to go in and edit that at this point, or do I need to start all over?

[ErnieS0]

"Individual Tax Return" means a tax return filed by an individual and not a business. It is not related to whether you are filing married or not.

You can rename your tax file by selecting File > Save As and entering a new name. This will create a new file.

If you imported your data, you can edit any information, but the "base" return is your 2020 return, meaning TurboTax pulled in all your info and none of your wife's.

You can start again by creating a new return using your wife's 2020 info and then adding your info. If you'd like to do this select File > New Tax Return. This will import all of your wife's 2020 info but none of your own.