how do i change my filing status from single to married

[kfiebig1956]

filing married for first time. how do i get started

[xmasbaby0]

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.

[DoninGA]

In the My Info section of the program when you are entering your personal information you are asked for your filing status, either Single or Married.  You select Married and then select that you will be filing the tax return with your spouse, so that you will be filing as Married Filing Jointly.

[VolvoGirl]

Here's some general info on getting married.  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 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.

You should usually  file a Joint return which is only 1 return combined for the both of you.  Make sure to stick with this one account for the future.  Just ignore the other spouse's account.

Getting Married FAQ

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

And info on Getting Married…..

http://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/tax-tips/Family/Getting-Married/INF12006.html

Is it better to file Joint or Separately?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894449-is-it-better-for-a-married-couple-to-file-jointly-or-separ...

[1956isGrand]

I think the frustration comes that when you sign back in for a new years tax return, there is a page that asks you about major changes: (with drawings) "buy a house?" "Get married?" Etc. If you don't click the "get married?" box and continue to the "welcome back .....!" screen with your personal info to review--- you're out of luck. The program won't take you back to the screen with the "get married? "Buy a house? " etc buttons-- it only takes you to the "Welcome back ....(personal info) " page. Even "deleting info and starting over" command won't take you to the page BEFORE the "welcome back" page. Your best option is to go to the spouse's single account and hit the "get married?" picture/,button. Other than that, you will have to create a new ID and password / and enter both names, etc, etc.. for a new "account".  Turbotax will then list all the past and present accounts associated with your email or phone number, but it will treat them all as seperate returns and not cross reference/import info between them.