Want to file married jointly but live separately but unable to file electronically

[addie4212]

My husband is incarcerated, and I want to file my taxes as married filing jointly but live separately. TT wont allow me to file my tax return electronically with this option. It only allows the married filing separately option if you are living separately. Is there a way in TT to allow the married filing jointly but live separately option to be allowed. Otherwise, I'll need to send the tax return by post, which is much more complicated.

[VolvoGirl]

That should not matter.  Many people live apart and file Joint.  Where did it ask if you live separately?  

[addie4212]

It appears as an error message when I do the tax review at the end of the data entry. See below.

[CatinaT1]

In your screenshot, read the paragraph after Check This Entry. It says that box should not be checked for e-filing.

[addie4212]

But if I uncheck that box as it instructs me to, I will be filing jointly and living together, which is not the case, as my husband is incarcerated, so we live apart. Please advise.

[CatinaT1]

There is no requirement to live together to file jointly. You do not need to live together to file jointly. 

Do you want to file jointly or separately?

[fanfare]

based on the indentation, the red checkmark applies to selection 3, not 2.

@addie4212 

[addie4212]

Thanks for the clarification. You're right; the living together check box only applies to section 3, namely the filing separately criteria. So I can uncheck the box as prompted by TT and submit my tax return. This was extremely helpful. Much appreciated.