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Level 2
Jan 14, 2024 7:11 PM UTC
Question

Multi-state Return Question with Retired Spouse

My residence with husband is in Minnesota.  As of mid-2023, I am now considered an employee of Missouri.  In mid-2023, HR started taking state taxes for Minnesota and Missouri.  I physically worked in Missouri for three days since the conversion to a Missouri employee as I work remotely.  My husband is retired, and only has income from joint investments. I will complete the Missouri non-resident form to file with my taxes and will file a joint Federal return for all income.  How is joint investment income determined when I file the married filing separately state taxes?  I suspect I will only file a married filing separately Missouri tax return as my husband does not have Missouri earned income.  Is that correct?  Will my husband and I file separately for the Minnesota return, splitting out the investment income?  I will use Turbo Tax and purchase a second state return.  Thanks for any responses.

    2 replies

    Alumni - Champ
    Jan 14, 2024 9:06 PM UTC

    Missouri can tax only the income you earned on the three days you physically worked in Missouri.  The income you earned by working remotely in Minnesota is MN-source income, not MO-source income.  Work income is "sourced" where the work is actually (physically) performed.  MO taxes non-residents only on MO-source income.  The employer's location does not determine sourcing.

     

    This MO tax website explains the rules on whether or not you're required to file a MO tax return:

    https://dor.mo.gov/taxation/individual/additional-resources/non-residents.html

     

    Note that MO requires you to use the same filing status on your MO return (if you're required to file) that you used on your federal return.

     

    ALL you & your husband's income is taxable by your home state of MN, regardless of where you earned it.  It is almost always advantageous for married couples to file jointly.

     

    **Answers are correct to the best of my ability but do not constitute tax or legal advice.
    Monica583Author
    Level 2
    Jan 15, 2024 6:02 PM UTC

    Thank you!