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Cesar0
New Member

Do I need to pay turbo twice, and prepare two separate returns if I file married and separately?

 
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3 Replies

Do I need to pay turbo twice, and prepare two separate returns if I file married and separately?

Sorry yes.  You each need an account.  Online is only good for one return per account. But you can use the same email address for 5 accounts.

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


The Desktop CD/Download can do unlimited returns and efile 5 for free
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download


If you want to switch to the Desktop program we can tell you how, even before paying for Online.

 

May I ask why you want to file Married filing Separate?


Unless you have a specific reason to file separate returns,

It is usually better to file Joint. 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. 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 then the other one must itemize too, even if it's less than the standard deduction, even if it is ZERO!

 

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-...

 

 

rjs
Level 15
Level 15

Do I need to pay turbo twice, and prepare two separate returns if I file married and separately?

If you are filing two separate tax returns you might find it less expensive to use the CD/Download TurboTax software. You pay for the software once, and you can use it for both returns. There is an additional fee for each state e-file.

 

Do I need to pay turbo twice, and prepare two separate returns if I file married and separately?

If using Turbotax Online, each return needs a separate account (with different user name and password) and will be charged a separate fee, unless it is a simple return that qualifies for free filing.

 

With 2 or more returns, buying Turbotax on a CD or download to install on your own computer is usually more cost-effective. 

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