Filing California State Taxes Registered Domestic Partner

[soma2]

Hi,

I am in a registered domestic partnership in California. From my understanding, my partner and I have to create 3 returns: 2 separate federal returns that we then file with the IRS and a "mock" joint federal return that we use to create the state return.

Upon completion of the state return, the instructions tell us to include "a copy of your federal return." My question is which federal return is this referring to? Do we include the "mock" joint return or our actual individual federal returns or all three?

Thanks.

[DianeW777]

File the actual federal returns that were filed for each of you.  Keep the mock copy should you need it later to answer any questions, if applicable.  

It' makes sense to file the actual federal returns when you mail your California (CA) return. The IRS and states exchange information on a regular basis.

The instructions from the Franchise Tax Board are ambiguous at best: 2023 Personal Income Tax Instructions.