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BTRR
Level 3

Using completed JOINT return, how do I "flip" Taxpayer and Spouse to create Separate returns?

I completed a married filing joint (MFJ) return.  Now, I want to create 2 married filing separate (MFS) returns... one for the taxpayer... and one for the spouse.  In the PERSONAL INFO section, how do I "flip" the spouse to become the taxpayer (in order to generate a MFS return for the spouse)?  I want to pull from the already-created MFJ return, i.e., I don't want to have to start over from scratch.  Please advise.  Thanks.

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Accepted Solutions

Using completed JOINT return, how do I "flip" Taxpayer and Spouse to create Separate returns?

That will create a mess.   You cannot change the order of the names on a joint return without creating chaos for all the stuff that is associated with the specific name in the software.

 

Leave the joint return alone and either create two separate returns or try the "what if" feature you have in desktop software.

 

And make sure you follow the rules--if one spouse itemizes then the other has to itemize; if one uses standard deduction the other must also use standard deduction.  Never one of each.

 

 

WHAT IF…?

If you are using Desktop software:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2895312-how-can-we-compare-married-filing-jointly-with-married-fil...

 

 

If you were legally married at the end of 2021 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 $25,100 (+$1350 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.

 

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...

 

 

 

**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.**

View solution in original post

2 Replies

Using completed JOINT return, how do I "flip" Taxpayer and Spouse to create Separate returns?

That will create a mess.   You cannot change the order of the names on a joint return without creating chaos for all the stuff that is associated with the specific name in the software.

 

Leave the joint return alone and either create two separate returns or try the "what if" feature you have in desktop software.

 

And make sure you follow the rules--if one spouse itemizes then the other has to itemize; if one uses standard deduction the other must also use standard deduction.  Never one of each.

 

 

WHAT IF…?

If you are using Desktop software:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2895312-how-can-we-compare-married-filing-jointly-with-married-fil...

 

 

If you were legally married at the end of 2021 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 $25,100 (+$1350 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.

 

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...

 

 

 

**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.**
BTRR
Level 3

Using completed JOINT return, how do I "flip" Taxpayer and Spouse to create Separate returns?

@xmasbaby0 - Thanks.  The What-If Worksheet is very nice.  Too bad it doesn't perform what-if calculations for states.

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