Fed filing as MFJ but NC & MD States either MFS or MFJ

[ram0516]

We are in a unique situation as below:

I have only NC income but my spouse has income in NC and MD. Here are my questions-

Can we file Fed as MFJ  but both states either MFJ or MFS? 

option a - file NC as MFJ but MD as MFS (spouse), I don't have to file MD bcos don't have income in MD.

option b-  file NC as MFS for both my spouse and me.

*Does NC allow to file as MFS when we file Fed as MFJ? 

[MarilynG1]

If North Carolina is your Resident State, file jointly there and report all your your income.  You will get credit for tax your husband paid to Maryland.

Husband can file a Non-Resident Return to Maryland as MFS and report only MD income and taxes.

Click this link for more detailed info on filing in multiple states. 

North Carolina advises MFJ even if one spouse is a Non-Resident and had no income there.  Click this link for more info from North Carolina Dept of Revenue. 

[ram0516]

Thank you. I want to clarify the last part only. When I file NC MFJ, do we need to report MD income as well? If I do then I end up paying more taxes?

[JosephF8]

Yes you will report the MD income on the NC return. You will get credit on the NC return for taxes paid to the non resident state.

[ram0516]

Thank you.