@sayanprince1986
(Tail end of 2024, is kind of a hazy statement. 2 Dec is one thing, 31 Dec is something else)
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If you proceed to file separately you do NOT file as "Single" it would have to be MFS-state...
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OK...how you proceed, depends on which states are involved.
For instance...some states "Require" you to use the same filing status in the state forms, as you declare on the Federal form.
Other states let you file MFS-state, even if you file MFJ-Federal.
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Even so, it might work out OK to file MFJ-Federal and MFJ-State for the states involved.
For instance:
Your new spouse's information on the personal Info page, you should indicate she is now a resident of your state, and that she "moved" from the other state (whatever date, ASSUMING she actually moved to your state either before, or immediately right after marriage....either case being in 2024?).
That will trigger the part-year tax return for her state, (and may also do so for your current state too, since 'one" of you was a part-year resident). During the Part year interview for her former state, there will be Income Allocation questions where you will be able to take out your own income from being taxable income for her state, since you were not a resident there, and earned no income there. Likewise, if your own state Part-Year is triggered (most likely) then you will be able to remove her pre-move income from being reported as being taxed by your own state...and anything after her move does get taxed.
Most states in this situation, calculate a tax based on full year income from all sources, then ratio it down based on the % you reported belonged to them during the income allocation phase. (some states take the full year income from the Federal form, then ratio down the taxable income first, then apply the tax....NC works that way).
Don't rush it, some state's forms won't be complete in the software until after 30 January. and you should take all of Feb and part of March to work on it if you decide to do it yourselves.
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But in the end, if it gets to be too messy for you, then it might be easier to just get a local professional to file for you this year. Then file on your own for 2025 when you file it next year.
____________*Answers are correct to the best of my knowledge when posted, but should not be considered to be legal or official tax advice.*
