IM IN A DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP. MY OTHER HALF DOESN'T WORK. ALL THE INCOME IS THROUGH MY SINGLE JOB. WHY DOES IT SAY I HAVE TO FILE MULTIPLE RETURNS?

[JulieH1 · Accepted solution]

Unfortunatley,  IRS doesn't recognize registered domestic partnerships or civil unions as marriages.

Prepare your federal return with the Single or Head of Household filing status. Your partner should do the same. 

However, if you're residents in one of the handful of states that recognize RDP and/or civil unions, you can file your state return jointly. See the instructions below.

Important: If you're in an RDP and a resident of California, Nevada, or Washington state, you also have to account for community property rules. Refer to these filing instructions instead.

Tip: If you plan to file a joint state return in a state that recognizes your partnership, we strongly recommend using TurboTax CD/Download software instead of TurboTax Online. It will save you time, money, and hassle.

Instructions

[jcarlson805]

We live in the state of Hawaii. My opposite sex partner has zero earnings. How many times do we have to file?

[JulieH1]

Do you have any dependent children?

[jcarlson805]

Yes. Our son in common

[JulieH1]

You can file head of Household for Federal and your partner does not need to file with no income.  You can't list your partner on your return due to the IRS  position on DP.  I do not know about whether Hawaii will recognize a joint return for you.  I would post that question on the answer exchange again and see if any of the other tax experts know.

[jcarlson805]

Thank you