Federal MFJ and State MFS - what to mail in my state filing

[Jawgha]

I have e-filed MFJ in my federal taxes and planning to file MFS in Virginia. I have prepared the MFS taxes using the "Mock" MFS federal taxes. Now when I paper file my MFS Virginia Taxes, it says that I have to send my federal taxes with it. My question is when I paper file the MFS Virginia taxes, should I send the MFJ federal taxes (that are already e-filed) or should I send the "mock" MFS federal taxes?

[AmyC]

Send the mock federal. The IRS and state will compare the one you e-filed.

Be sure to sign the forms and mail with tracking - no signature - to ensure your information is safe.

[Jawgha]

Thanks for the reply. I read this article from turbo tax and searched the community forum where it was suggested that the original federal taxes (that are MFJ & e-filed) should be sent out with the VA state returns and not the "mock MFS federal". It is just making me more and more confused. Can you please confirm?

[AmyC]

I am glad you asked. Most states want the mock version. I went through the entire VA filing instructions and looked at every word mail in the document and read all the related parts. It doesn't say anything about the federal. It says to use a flat envelope, recommends tracking, not certified and so on.

So, you have options. Don't mail a federal and see what they ask for might be the easiest.

Truly, the IRS and the states share information so they will know what you filed with the IRS. You clearly have one spouse as a nonresident to not be using the same filing status. VA may ask for a copy of that state. All you can do is sign and send it. Add whatever copies you want - clearly labelled under the VA return - it must be on top.

[Jawgha]

Thank you Amy for the answer. As you said i have options so what  I am thinking is sending both the original and the mock federal taxes and attaching an explanatory statement with it so that its clear and they have both the federal taxes for their reference.

[AmyC · Accepted solution]

Put the VA, below it the actual federal - big highlighter marking, then  on the bottom - the mock federal - big highlighter marking it.

The state will ask for more information in a letter, if they want anymore. You have it covered. Have a good night.