Hi, I am confused after checking a few posts, like https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/taxes/discussion/married-couple-living-in-different-states-filing-....
Based on what I understand, the MFJ/MFS option varies depending on where both people stay and how long they stay in each state.
Before TY2023, we lived in different states and married in the US during TY2023 (we've been independently filing 'single' tax forms for more than four years). We are still living in our own state, and I think it will be the same for the next few years. I will say each of us (me and my spouse as A and B).
A is in Michigan, and A gets paid by a state university as a student (stipend, W2, considered as a state employee). A rents a house, and A's residential address is also in Michigan (e.g., driver's license). A bought an EV car in 2023 and knows that A can claim EV tax credit (up to 7.5K) as A's TY2022 income was far lower than 100K (confirmed by IRS). B was a MI resident, but moved to GA around 4 years from now.
B is in Georgia, and B gets paid by a state university as a professor (salary, W2, considered as a state employee); much higher income than A. B bought a house in GA a few years ago, and B has a mortgage loan debt, also within GA. B's residential address is also in Georgia and B has been filing with itemized deduction as B has mortgage. A never considered as GA resident.
We want to file MFJ for federal as (1) A can claim EV car credit and (2) B can get tax benefit as A's current income is low. However, I am not sure how to do our state returns. Based on my understanding, MI require to file MFJ once we go with MFJ for federal, but I failed to find such requirement from GA (I only find that GA gives credit for the tax paid to the other states).
If that's the case
Q1. Can we file MFJ Federal, MI with MFJ, but file GA as MFS ?
Q2. If I can file as Q1, then should B's income needs to be taxed in MI?
Q3. If Q2 is correct, I think GA's income tax is higher and will get credit for the amount B paid to MI and B should pay just the residue (= GA tax - MI tax. I assume A don't need to file GA tax as there is no income or asset in GA). Is it correct?
Q4. If Q1 is false as we should file GA as MFJ, then does A's income should also be taxed in GA?
Q5. Which TurboTax desktop version would support the following? Deluxe? Premier?
I know that it could be complex, but I really appreciate your help if you can even give a hint for us.
