Electronic filing of MFS state after MFJ federal

[SN29]

Made the mock federal return (MFS) to create MFS state return.  When I try electronic filing of MFS state, get ttax message saying I must first electronically file federal return.  OK, so I electronically file real MFJ federal return.  Subsequently, try to again electronically file MFS state and get message saying I cannot file state return electronically.  Is that correct?  State hard copy tax return must be mailed (i.e. USPS)?  Thanks!

[SteamTrain · Accepted solution]

Correct....it must be printed and mailed in.   There is no filing link indicating that the Federal was already submitted and accepted....that info is in a separate file and there is no link between the two. 

Someday they may have a way to link the two..but that could end up with unexpected complications.

________

IA is unusual, and has actually set up their state forms for couples to MFJ-Federal, and both spouse's MFS in the same file ! 

[SN29]

Thank you very much for your clear confirmation.  What you write makes complete sense.  The ttax directions that are provided with the hard copy MFS state return (to be mailed) say "You can still file electronically.  Just go back to TurboTax ...".  This is misleading.  Agree ttax has much room for improving this process. 

[SN29]

Two follow-up questions:  when I mail spouse MFS Maryland return, do I also sign her MD return?  I lived in Florida for all of 2021 and did not have any 2021 Maryland income.  Maryland form 502R directions for line 8 say to include spouse (mine) retirement income  (502R line 8 should match federal 1040 lines 1, 4b and 5b).  Is that required if spouse (myself) was not a Maryland resident for any of 2021?  Thanks, again!

[SteamTrain]

@SN29 

Sorry, I don't know MD requirements or forms.

I kind-of doubt you would sign it if it is HER MFS tax return.....but certainly she needs to.

....kind-of one of the alternate reasons for MFS tax returns...spouses are separated by some distance and aren't near enough....occasionally one spouse doesn't even know where the other one is and haven't divorced quite  yet.