Will the turbo tax software allow a newly-married couple to compare their results of filing jointly vs. separately after all information is entered? Just married.

[HelenaC]

I added the TurboTax FAQ Is it better for a married couple to file jointly or separately?, in my answer.

[HelenaC · Accepted solution]

Yes, but using the CD\Download version has this feature built into the program whereas the Online version, involves creating two "test" accounts.

For instructions, see How can we compare married filing jointly with married filing separately?

Related information:

• Is it better for a married couple to file jointly or separately?

[user17742261769]

I can't seem to find how to do this comparison on the desktop (downloaded) version. Can you please let me know how to find this?

[NCperson]

@user17742261769  - easier approach.... just use this website.  Also, 96% of married couples file Joint as Congress only passes tax laws that protect the sactity of marriage.  It does not pass laws that delay marriage or incent divorce.   Highly unlikely filing Separate will be to your advantage. 

Other than being new at this (newly weds) and not understanding, why would you want to file Separate? 

https://www.dinkytown.net/java/1040-tax-calculator.html

[VolvoGirl]

@user17742261769   

If you have the Desktop program you can do a What-If worksheet.  

Go to Forms Mode, click Forms in the upper right or on the left for Mac. Then click Open Forms box in the top of the column on the left. Open the US listing of forms and towards the bottom find the What-if worksheet. It's right under Estimated Taxes.  

Or try…Go into Forms View. Once there, at the top of the left column, click on the icon for "Open Form". A popup window will appear. In the text line, type the word "what" without quotes. You should see "what-if worksheet" appear as a selection choice. Double-click it to launch the form.

[VolvoGirl]

@user17742261769  Or since the Desktop program can do unlimited returns you can do test returns.   Do a MFS return for each of you.  Go up to File-New tax return.   I think that might be better than the What-If worksheet.   Be sure to save the returns with different names, go to File-Save As.  I also put the word TEST in the name.