It depends. MD tax law says, "Generally, you are required to use the same filing status on your Maryland income tax return as used on your federal income tax return or the filing status that you would have used if required to file a federal income tax return. This applies whether you are a resident or nonresident of the State of Maryland." Here is the MD reference. (See the items "Determine your filing status" and "Married Persons."
There are however special circumstances where MD allows a couple who filed a joint federal return to file MD separate returns (see below for special circumstances).
If you fall into one of the special circumstances then you should use a TurboTax desktop version which allows you to complete up to five different returns. Here is a link that may be helpful.
You will complete and file a joint federal return. You will complete a "Mock" federal separate return for yourself with only your income that will allow a MD separate return to be completed. You will have to print/mail that state return.
You will do the same for your spouse (Mock separate Federal return to generate a MD separate return for print/mailing).
Married couples who filed joint federal returns but had different tax periods (Lived in MD for different periods)
Joint return or Married filing separately
Married couples who filed joint federal returns but were domiciled in different countries, cities, towns or taxing areas on the last day of the tax year
Joint return or Married filing separately
Married couples who filed joint federal returns but were domiciled in different states on the last day of the tax year
Joint return or Married filing separately
All other married couples who filed joint federal returns
Joint return
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