Skip to main content
April 10, 2023
Question

Husband and I are filing separate this year. Do I have to create another turbo account to complete his return?

  • April 10, 2023
  • 2 replies
  • 0 views
I'm working on my taxes, but I need to understand how to complete his taxes using the software.  Do I just create another account?

2 replies

DoninGA
Employee
April 10, 2023

If you used TurboTax in 2021 to file as Married Filing Jointly, it is best if you create two new accounts if you are filing as Married Filing Separately in 2022, one for you and one for your spouse.  Trying to remove all of the other spouse's information that was transferred from the 2021 return is problematic and can lead to accuracy issues.

Go to this TurboTax website for online tax returns to start new accounts with new User ID's - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/compare/online/

Employee
April 10, 2023

Yes you need two completely separate accounts with different user ID's.  And you will pay twice, since with online you get one return per fee.

 

Why do you want to file separate returns?  That is usually the worst way to file, especially if you have children.

 

 

If you were legally married at the end of 2022 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 $25,900 (+$1400 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-separately

**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.**