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Question about filing jointly for the first time

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
February 6, 2025
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I need some assistance on how to file my taxes jointly with my husband for the first time. In the past (when we've been dating) we have used turbotax and have two independent accounts. Can we log into just one of our accounts and when prompted about whether we are filing as a single or married person indicate that we'd like to file jointly? In this scenario will we be prompted to fill in the second spouse's information on the same submission form and just file once instead of twice?

Best answer by VolvoGirl

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/00/1756642

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-separately

X

xmasbaby0

Level 15

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.

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**

G

guinea

Level 2

Do you mean one spouse's 2023 return info need to be transfered into the PRIMARY account before 2024 return file? How to do that? @xmasbaby0

X

xmasbaby0

Level 15

@guinea If both of you have had TT online accounts in the past, only one 2023 return can be transferred in to start your new 2024 joint return, so choose the one that was the most complicated. It does not matter whether it is the wife or husband's account, but going forward you will need to keep the order of the names the same on joint returns. The other spouse's information will have to be keyed in by hand.

How to transfer last year’s return?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/import-export-data-files/transfer-last-year-return-turbotax-online/L279eUvY2_US_en_US?uid=m6ayqk1s

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**

DawnC

Level 15

Yes and yes. On one return, change your marital status to Married, and TurboTax will prompt you to add the spouse's information. So, choose the one that will require the least amount of retyping. Here is some info you may find helpful.

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VolvoGirlAnswer

Level 15

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/00/1756642

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-separately

A

appansub

Level 2

Your past usage is immaterial.

When you open TurboTax for use, it begins with filing status. You check off "Married filing jointly " and you start off with entering your name & spouses name and details, and off you go....

X

xmasbaby0

Level 15

@appansub

"Your past usage is immaterial." Is that the advice you would give to someone who might have carryovers from past years? Or the advice you would give to someone who has rental property to depreciate? Just some examples....

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**