Can we file as joint?

[mgirishfan]

I lived and worked in GA from Oct-Dec 2017.  My spouse lived and worked in GA all of 2017.  We were still married on 12/31/2017. We will file a joint federal return for 2017, but should we use the MD or GA address when we file; and can we file MD and GA state returns as joint too - and only include my MD income on the MD return, and include all of our combined GA income on the GA state return?

[IsabellaG · Accepted solution]

You should use your Georgia address on all of your tax returns, if that is your address now.

Yes, you can file joint returns for both Maryland and Georgia. In fact, both states require that you file using the same filing status as you use for your federal return in your particular situation.

File as a Part Year Resident so that only the income earned while living in each state will be taxed.

[mgirishfan]

Thank you.  One clarification though - I live in MD now, not GA, and will not be moving back to GA.  My spouse remains in GA.  This is still OK to use the GA address on all of the returns?

[mgirishfan]

My original question was not stated quite right.  It should have read I lived and work in MD from Oct - Dec 2017.  I still live in MD.  I lived and worked in GA from Jan - Sep 2017.  I understand joint returns are required - can I use the GA address on all three returns even though 'technically' I have lived in MD since Oct 2017?

[IsabellaG]

Then you should use your Maryland address, because it's where you live now. You want all correspondence, if any, to come to the correct address.