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MFJ vs. MFS - Federal and State
1
TaxAct has a tool to compare how Married Filing Jointly vs. Married Filing Separate will benefit you so you can choose how to file (add a state to your return, and the federal information will flow there so you can see how your state tax laws affect your return too).

To view the Joint Vs. Separate Analysis Report in the TaxAct program, follow the steps below. 
Online
Dashboard
  1. From within your TaxAct return, click Review. 
    • On smaller devices, click the menu at the top left corner of your screen, then make your selection.
  2. On the left, click Reports.
  3. Continue through the report prompts until you see the Would you like to compare the benefits of filing joint vs. separate?, then click Yes. 
  4. Complete the rest of the interview process. 
Classic
  1. From within your TaxAct return, click Review. 
    • On smaller devices, click the menu at the top left corner of your screen, then make your selection.
  2. On the left, click Reports.
  3. Continue through the report prompts until you see the Would you like to compare the benefits of filing joint vs. separate?, then click Yes. 
  4. Complete the rest of the interview process. 
Desktop
  1. From within your TaxAct return, click Review. 
  2. Click the Reports tab.
  3. Continue through the report prompts until you see the Would you like to compare the benefits of filing joint vs. separate?, then click Yes. 
  4. Complete the rest of the interview process. 
Tips
  • If you review the Joint vs. Separate Analysis Report and decide to file separately, the TaxAct program will not separate the return for you; you will need to create the separate returns yourself.
  • There are some states that allow Married Filing Separately on a combined return, and the Joint Vs. Separate Analysis Report does not apply to those states.
  • If you want, you can create tax returns for free in TaxAct Online for Married Filing Jointly and Married Filing Separately and compare them yourself, then you can choose which one to file (you will not be charged for TaxAct Online until you file).