How to switch spouse to taxpayer when changing from married filing joint to married filing separate

Linda301

I filed married joint for 2024. This year I need to file married separately. My husband is listed as primary tax payer. The information for switching taxpayers on the site is confusing. It says to keep husband's name as taxpayer then go through and delete all his information then revert it to my name. But there is no way to do this. When I keep his name as primary it deletes all my information. When I put my name as primary it puts me in an endless loop of saying I need to follow the instructions… and on it goes. HELP.

MatthewD

Hi Linda301,

I understand this is frustrating — the process can feel confusing, but here's the straightforward way to do it.

Since you want to be the primary taxpayer and file separately, just follow these steps:

1. Go to the Personal menu and select Taxpayer Information.
2. Enter your own information here as the primary taxpayer (this will replace your husband's info).
3. Continue to the Filing Status section.
4. Change the filing status to Married Filing Separately.

That's it! Your information will be preserved and you'll be set up as the primary taxpayer on your own separate return. You will need to enter all your income forms again.

One important note: your husband will need to create a brand new account with a different username and password to prepare and file his own separate return. He cannot use the same account.