How do I find my spouses 2022 AGI and other information from 2022 1040?

[miz1515]

We got married this year and own a house together but are filing separate this year. TurboTax is asking for information from the 2022 1040 which is not created until we file on here, correct? Or is the 2022 1040 from our 2021 tax return? How do we get this information if is not created yet?

[MarilynG1 · Accepted solution]

If you are Married Filing Separately, each of you would use your 2021 AGI to Efile for 2022 on your separate returns.  

Since you are newly married, have you considered filing jointly?  This is usually the most tax-advantageous way to file.

Here's more info on Filing Jointly vs. Filing Separately.

[VolvoGirl]

But if you are filing MFS in a Community Property state you do need to enter your spouse's 2022 info.  

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.

[miz1515]

Hello Marilyn, thank you for your reply! On line 37 of my 1040 from last year, it is blank after downloading from here. How would I enter a blank number?

[miz1515]

Hello, VolvoGirl,

I thought filing separate would be the best because we didn't get married until September and she had her own health insurance through HealthConnector, which is based off of her individual income. I was thinking that I may have to pay more if we filed jointly due to this. We will have to see how it works out and try both ways to see what makes sense for both of us.

[VolvoGirl]

Line 37 is for a tax due.  Your AGI is on line 11.

COMPARE JOINT TO MSF

To compare Joint to MFS.  If you are using the Online version, do NOT change anything on your return.  You would have to start with a new account and do a test return.  You don't have to pay unless you want to print it out.  So you might need 3 accounts, one for Joint and two MFS, one for each spouse.

How to Compare Joint to Married Filing Separately

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/married/help/how-can-we-compare-married-filing-jointly-with-marrie...

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...

It would be better to use the Desktop CD/Download program.  It can do unlimited returns and has a What If worksheet to compare them and many other advantages over the online version.

You can buy the Desktop CD/Download program here

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download/ 

[miz1515]

thank you for this info! TurboTax has it written a different way when you click on the 'hint' or 'tip'