Why does TurboTax 2023 show my return as "individual tax return" if i file jointly?

[cimeier]

Every time I run TurboTax (and not only 2023, also the previous versions), it first shows me a window that says "Continue Your 20XX Tax Return"

Why are my returns, as shown in this window, always named "202X My Name Form 1040 Individual Tax Return," if I have never filed an individual return in my life, but always done so jointly with my wife??

This just adds confusion and should be fixed

[DoninGA]

TurboTax uses the first name on the tax return.  It is an individual tax return even if you are filing as married filing jointly.  

[VolvoGirl]

It is an Individual return because it's not a Business return.  And it is named for the primary person listed.  

[cimeier]

Thanks for the quick answer

Oh, boy, that is confusing... Someone should to straighten this up because the language is clear: if it is individual, then it shouldn't be joint, and vice-versa. Now, if the IRS wants to call our "joint return" an individual return, whatever; but this software should facilitate life for normal people, and thus it could well add a note below about the return actually being jointly filed!

[cimeier]

Thanks for the answer!

Please read my answer above

[xmasbaby0]

Here is what a Form 1040 looks like. Notice the top line.  Then notice the choices for filing status partway down from the top.

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040.pdf

So--now you know---you have been filing a " U.S. Individual Income Tax Return" for all these years even if you filed jointly with your spouse.