topic Re: State filing status wrong? in State tax filing

State filing status wrong?

HopTime745 — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 07:56:49 GMT

I complete my federal return as married filing jointly and then downloaded the PA tax return. The first thing it says is that based on my federal return, the form will be filed as single. Is this a mistake? Should I follow TurboTax and actually file single or change to married filing jointly (which, when I tried to do so, it said it is uncommon to change filing status).

Re: State filing status wrong?

ThomasM125 — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 19:15:38 GMT

Normally you use the same filing status on your federal and state return. You should look at your federal form 1040 to make sure your filing status is married-joint. You will see your filing status below your address.

You can view your form 1040 while working in the online version of TurboTax by following these steps:

While working on your return in the Federal section of TurboTax:

1. Choose the Tax Tools icon on your left menu bar

2. Tools

3. View Tax Summary

4. Choose the Preview my 1040 on your left menu bar

Re: State filing status wrong?

HopTime745 — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 20:14:00 GMT

I checked and it is definitely married filing jointly for federal, which is why it surprised me when the sate said that based on your federal return, your status is single. I will change it manually for the state to married filing jointly. Is this a bug in the software?

Re: State filing status wrong?

SweetieJean — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 22:42:17 GMT

Did your spouse pass away during 2021? If so, PA has special rules.

Brief Overview and Filing Requirements (pa.gov)