What is the most efficient way to file married filing separately - on desktop? Do I enter info twice for both returns or is there a way to add our info once and be done?

[manishshukla1]

I want to turbotax to figure out who gets the child tax credit and what is the best option on whether we should itemize or take standard deduction.  The way I have it now, the two returns are not linked and we both are claiming the child tax credit which is not allowed.  Are we able to link both returns for maximum legal returns?

[SharonD007]

If you purchase TurboTax CD/Download, you can prepare a joint tax return then compare Married Filing Jointly (MFJ) with Married Filing Separately (MFS) by following the instructions in the TurboTax Help article How can I compare Married Filing Jointly with Married Filing Separately?  ‌

You can't compare Married Filing Jointly (MFJ) with Married Filing Separately (MFS) in TurboTax on-line without completing three different tax returns, one for you (MFS), one for your spouse (MFS), and one together (MFJ). When you complete each one, look at the refund or balance due to compare. MFJ generally gives you the most benefits.

You can't link two tax returns so that TurboTax can determine which taxpayer should claim what credit or deduction.

 Refer to the TurboTax article Should You and Your Spouse File Taxes Jointly or Separately? for additional information.

[manishshukla1]

Thank you, the first thing I did was what you suggested in the 1st paragraph.  I was hoping for a more automated Turbo tax were you CAN "link two tax returns so that TurboTax can determine which taxpayer should claim what credit or deduction"  So I need a professional or need to do a lot of research myself on tax rules.  Maybe Turbotax 2030 with AI will have this feature.  Thanks again