Married, File Joint Federal and File Separate State

user17761033567 · ‎April 13, 2026

I am using Turbo Tax Desktop as recommended from the support. I have filed my Federal Joint and it has been approved. I made the mock separate file with just my income, but when I go to file the state return it gives an error saying I must file my Federal one first. Is there a fix to this so I can e-File?

JohnB5677

No, To file only the state return, you will need to

print and mail your state return.

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VolvoGirl

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. Sorry, you will have to print and mail the state returns.

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-se...