Merge individual clients
Use this procedure to merge the client data from 2 clients into a joint client for filing a married filing joint return.
note
Only add state tax information after you merge. Any state information you add before the merge will be lost.
Before you begin these steps, complete the individual tax returns as much as possible before you merge. This includes the filing status.
- Go to theGeneral inputfolder on the1040screen.
- SelectFile, thenNew Client.
- Select a preparer, then enter a client ID for the new joint client.
- In theEntity information groupfield, select1040.
- In the1040field, selectDomestic Partner. You need to selectDomestic Partnershipfor married filing joint returns. You'll change this later.noteDon't add states in this screen yet.
- SelectAdvanced Properties, then selectDomestic Partners.
- In theDomestic Partnerstab, select the taxpayer in the client list and selectSelect Taxpayer.
- Select the spouse in the client list and selectSelect Spouse.
- SelectOKto close.
- In theNew Clientscreen, selectOKto begin the merge.
- If critical errors happen, you should address them before you continue merging the client. Warning messages are usually for information and may not need more work.noteTo print the list of critical errors and/or warnings created during the merge process, selectPrintin theMerge Client Data Resultswindow.
- The new joint client opens when the merge is complete. SelectFile, thenClient properties.
- Change the1040field fromDomestic partnershiptoIndividual.
- SelectAdd State(s)to add state returns to the joint file.
- SelectOKto close the window. If a warning message requires additional attention, make the changes to the new joint client.note
- If you recombine data from taxpayer and spouse into an existing joint client, any changes to federal data in the existing joint client are replaced.
- After you change a domestic partnership return to an Individual return, you can't change the return back to a domestic partnership return.
- Review the merged joint client to be sure the results are correct.