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Level 1
posted Sep 7, 2023 8:12:55 AM

Changing filing category for VA state tax

I completed TT federal taxes, for 2022, as married filing jointly, however after downloading the VA state forms, I was not able to complete the form as "married filing separately."  

 

What do I need to do to have TT complete the State form as "married filing separately?" 

 

Thanks,

KC

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1 Best answer
Level 15
Sep 7, 2023 9:13:02 AM

See this article on how to file a joint federal return and file separate state returns…..
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-prepare-a-joint-federal-return-and-separate-state-returns/00/25564


You need to do 3 separate federal returns. One for Joint and 1 for each spouse to do the mock separate federal return to do the separate state returns.


If you are using the online version it will be cheaper and easier to do it in the desktop version. Contact Customer Service to give you the desktop program download.


Reading the FAQ it looks like you have to use 3 accounts. One to file the Joint return. Then you each need another account to fill out fake federal MFS returns to do your separate state returns. So you will have to PAY for 3 online accounts (3 federal returns and 2 state returns). That's why it's cheaper to use the Desktop installed program. If you don't have a computer to install the desktop program on maybe it would be cheaper and easier to go to a local accountant or tax place.

 

3 Replies
Level 15
Sep 7, 2023 9:13:02 AM

See this article on how to file a joint federal return and file separate state returns…..
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-prepare-a-joint-federal-return-and-separate-state-returns/00/25564


You need to do 3 separate federal returns. One for Joint and 1 for each spouse to do the mock separate federal return to do the separate state returns.


If you are using the online version it will be cheaper and easier to do it in the desktop version. Contact Customer Service to give you the desktop program download.


Reading the FAQ it looks like you have to use 3 accounts. One to file the Joint return. Then you each need another account to fill out fake federal MFS returns to do your separate state returns. So you will have to PAY for 3 online accounts (3 federal returns and 2 state returns). That's why it's cheaper to use the Desktop installed program. If you don't have a computer to install the desktop program on maybe it would be cheaper and easier to go to a local accountant or tax place.

 

Level 15
Sep 8, 2023 7:29:46 AM

If you and your spouse filed a joint federal return, Virginia requires you to file your VA return jointly UNLESS one of the spouses is a Virginia non-resident.  See this:

https://www.tax.virginia.gov/filing-status

Level 1
Sep 8, 2023 7:56:50 AM

Thanks for your response TomD8.

 

You have described my issue correctly. My spouse did not live in Va nor did she receive income from Va.

 

It looks like the easiest solution is to bypass TT altogether and manually complete and file the Va forms.