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Level 1
posted Mar 23, 2024 8:29:30 AM

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

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

0 5 1656
5 Replies
Level 15
Mar 23, 2024 8:33:24 AM

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

Level 15
Mar 23, 2024 8:33:44 AM

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

Level 1
Mar 23, 2024 8:41:36 AM

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!

Level 1
Mar 23, 2024 8:42:12 AM

Thanks for the answer!

 

Please read my answer above

Level 15
Mar 23, 2024 8:53:44 AM

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.