I am trying to figure out if I should file jointly or separately for state returns. My wife and I live and work in adjoining states that have reciprocity. I had to go through and file separately for the state filings last year (tax year 2020) since we got married that tax year and the state filings looked like a mess (one state was basically even and the other said we owed more than our federal refund). This year, it looks like something changed as both showed a refund when left as married filing jointly for 2021, and seem to fall apart when I start to make a mock MFS federal return.
Is there a rule or law from either state that prevents me from just transmitting everything filing jointly since I have not found a requirement that I must file separately from either state. (The language in the tax rules for both says "may")
