Which federal tax copy to include in my separate state return when I file my federal tax jointly?

[lukeyang]

Hi, I have a question regarding my GA state tax return. I lived in GA and all my income is from GA. My wife is a CA resident and all her income is from CA. We filed a joint return for our federal tax. But I want to file my state tax return separately since my wife is a nonresident and has no income from GA. To properly file my state tax return, I prepared a "mock" federal tax return with only my GA income to get my federal adjusted gross income that will be used for my state tax return (following this article). My question is which federal tax return copy should I include in my state tax return. My actual federal tax return (filed jointly with my wife's CA income) or my "mock" federal tax return (filed separately with my GA income only to get the AGI)? Thank you.

[ErnieS0]

Send a copy of your actual filed federal return if necessary.

Supporting Documents. 

Georgia requests information to support the amounts listed on your Georgia income tax return and related schedules when necessary. 

However, in addition to withholding statements (W-2s,1099s, G2-RPs, etc.) where taxes were withheld you must include the following documentation with your Georgia return when it is filed for the following situations:
 

• The amount on Form 500, Line 8 is $40,000 or more, or less than the total income on your W-2(s) - submit a copy of Pages 1, 2, and Schedule 1 of your Federal return (the Federal Schedule 1 must be included if a copy was submitted with your federal return).
• You itemize deductions - submit a copy of Federal Form 1040 Schedule A.
• You claim the Georgia child and dependent care expense credit - submit the appropriate Federal child care credit schedule.
• You claim a credit for taxes paid to another state(s)- submit a copy of your return filed with the other state(s)

IT-511 Individual Income Tax 500 and 500EZ Forms and General Instructions

[lukeyang]

Thank you, sir,  @ErnieS0. Really appreciate your valuable reply. Regarding my wife's CA tax return, she'll need to include our federal joint filed copy with her separate filed CA state return, am I right?

[ErnieS0]

Yes. Your wife will need to include the joint federal as well @lukeyang. If there are any issues the states can refer to the joint federal.