Duel State taxes

[3Mary]

If each spouse works in a different state, when filing taxes do you still file married filing jointly for both states?

[bluedeb · Accepted solution]

Generally, if you and your spouse are filing a joint federal return but you work in or are residents of different states, you need to file separate state returns. Sometimes this is required by state tax law; other times it is to your best interest to not include your non-resident spouse's income on your state return.

You can use TurboTax Online to file separate state returns, but we recommend you use the CD/Download software version to do this because you'll only need to pay for one TurboTax product (you can file up to five returns).

How do I prepare a joint federal return and separate state returns?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-prepare-a-joint-federal-return-and-se...

[Hal_Al]

Q. If each spouse works in a different state, when filing taxes do you still file married filing jointly for both states?

A.  Simple answer: yes.  

But it depends on which two  states you are dealing with.  Even though you are filing jointly, most states allow you to exclude (or adjust for) your other state income. This means that even though you file a joint non resident return for your spouse's work state, none of your income is actually taxed. 

[SweetieJean]

Do you live in the same state? Then you should file a Joint return in that state.  Does one of you also work in that state?

[TomD8]

Another wrinkle is that some states require you to use the same filing status that you used on your federal return.  If you could tell us which state(s) you and your spouse live in and work in, we could provide you with more specific info.