Spouse and I are both military members who have different states of residence. This year, TurboTax is only recognizing my W-2 when I try to do her tax return, as we file jointly for federal and separate for state. When I try to do her PA return, Turbo Tax automatically uses my information to fill out the form. There is no way to change this, even in the downloaded form, which is where I'm attempting to adjust this. Is there a way to change this without completely redoing my returns?
You need to do two totally separate tax returns for the state returns and then another one for the joint federal tax return. So, you need to prepare three returns in TurboTax. You will file the federal return without preparing any state tax returns, and then prepare another federal return for you to get your state return populated, and then another federal return for your spouse to populate her 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).
For additional instructions, see: How do I prepare a joint federal return and separate state returns?
David,
I did use the download/CD version and its still not letting me adjust whose W-2 is used in the PA return. My W-2 is utilized in both the PA and VA returns (my spouse's and mine) and it won't let me utilize hers for PA.
@kylehart -- This doesn't directly answer your question, but are you aware that the Veterans Benefits and Transitions Act (VBTA) of 2018 gives the spouses of active duty servicemembers the right to file their state and local tax returns as a resident of the servicemember's SLR (State of Legal Residence), even if the spouse has no other connection with that state? Choosing that option would allow you and your wife to file jointly in your SLR. See page 3 of this reference:
https://www.jag.navy.mil/legal_services/documents/Info_Paper_2018_SCRA_Amendments.pdf
She still has the option of filing as a resident of her own state of domicile, if she prefers.
We're both active duty servicemembers so it doesn't apply. My issue is a technical one with TurboTax.
You need to do two totally separate tax returns for the state returns and then another one for the joint federal tax return. So, you need to prepare three returns in TurboTax. You will file the federal return without preparing any state tax returns, and then prepare another federal return for you to get your state return populated, and then another federal return for your spouse to populate her state return.