How to file married filing separately?

[bluedeb]

If you started a joint return, didn't file it yet, and want to switch the primary taxpayer listed on the return to Married Filing Separately, follow these instructions. If you already transferred info over from last year's joint return, it's best to start over with a brand new return that has nothing transferred over. Or: if you filed a joint return with your spouse last year, you might want to start a new account for you to file as Married Filing Separate.

Note: If your TurboTax navigation looks different from what’s described here, learn more.

1. Open or continue your return.
2. Select My Info in the menu, or Select Personal info, then select Continue.
3. On the Personal info summary screen, select Edit next to Married Filing Jointly.
4. Answer No to Do you want to file this return together with your spouse?
5. Select Continue and follow the instructions.
6. Once you're back at the Personal info summary screen, go through your federal and state returns again, just to make sure everything looks OK and makes sense.
7. Have your spouse create a new return for themselves, if they're also filing this year.
   • We've got instructions on how to do this in TurboTax Online.
   • We can also help if you're doing this in the TurboTax Desktop version.
   •  

Don't use these instructions if you're just curious about how filing separately affects your return or if you need to amend a joint return that's already been filed.

[DianeW777]

It depends.  When completing your tax return, in the Personal Information section you can choose your filing status.  TurboTax allows you to change to married filing separate even if suggesting to file married filing jointly.  Simply indicate you want to change your filing status.

• When married filing separately will save you taxes

Generally the tax situation will be best on a joint tax return, however if you do not want to be liable for any taxes of your spouse, filing separately will keep you clear of that. 

Joint filers usually have higher income thresholds for certain taxes and deductions—this means they can earn a higher income and still qualify for certain tax breaks.

• Should you file jointly or separately?

@sharon333-andy 

[Edited: 04/06/2024 | 1:43 PM PST]

[xmasbaby0]

If you choose to file married filing separately  (which is usually the worst way to file) -----in MY INFO after you enter your own information it will ask if you were married in 2023.  Say YES.  Next it asks if you want to file together with your spouse.  Say NO.   You will be prompted in the next screens to enter some information about your spouse and about whether you will be using standard deduction or itemized deductions--since you will both be required to file the same way.

When your spouse prepares their return, they will do the same thing----say no to filing together; etc. etc.

You will be preparing TWO completely separate returns---so if you are using online TurboTax that means using two accounts and two different user ID's and paying twice since with online you get one return per fee.

If I am filing a separate return why do I have to list my spouse’s information on my return?

Even if you file separate returns (the worst way to file) you each have to list each other's SSN's and some other information on your own tax return.  The IRS can then cross check to make sure you are not "double dipping" for itemized deductions, dependents, etc.

If you are in a community property state, there is more information that will be needed.

Community property states:  AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901162-married-filing-separately-in-community-property-states

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/marriage/five-tax-tips-for-community-property-states/L4jG7cq7Z

If you were legally married at the end of 2023 your filing choices are married filing jointly or married filing separately.

Married Filing Jointly is usually better, even if one spouse had little or no income. When you file a joint return, you and your spouse will get the married filing jointly standard deduction of $27,700 (+$1500 for each spouse 65 or older)  You are eligible for more credits including education credits, earned income credit, child and dependent care credit, and a larger income limit to receive the child tax credit. 

If you choose to file married filing separately, both spouses have to file the same way—either you both itemize or you both use standard deduction. Your tax rate will be higher than on a joint return.

 Some of the special rules for filing separately include: you cannot get earned income credit, education credits, adoption credits, or deductions for student loan interest. A higher percent of your Social Security benefits may be taxable. Your limit for SALT (state and local taxes and sales tax) will be only $5000 per spouse. In many cases you will not be able to take the child and dependent care credit. The amount you can contribute to a retirement account will be affected. If you live in a community property state, you will be required to provide additional information regarding your spouse’s income. ( Community property states:  AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI)

 If  you are using online TurboTax to prepare your returns, you will need to prepare two separate returns and pay twice since with online, you get one return per fee.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894449-married-filing-jointly-vs-married-filing-separately

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901162-married-filing-separately-in-community-property-states

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