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Level 2
posted Mar 9, 2025 7:57:18 AM

Filing only MA State Taxes by doing a Mock federal results in Total federal income on MA different than my 1040

I've filed my federal Tax return separately through a CPA because it is way complicated.

I'm a non-resident of Massachusetts (MA).

I have one item that is considered MA-sourced income. 

I understand that I need to do a mock Federal in order to print and mail my MA state return.

 

I cannot recreate the entire Federal Tax return in TurboTax, because it is way complicated, so I entered only my one source of MA income (let's say 12,000).

 

When I print the MA State return it shows in the first page just  below the X non-resident status my "Total Federal Income" being just that one item 12,000 while my "Total Federal Income" on my 1040 done through a CPA is higher due to Foreign income and other non-MA State sourced income. 

 

Is this OK? 

Thank you

0 5 2301
2 Best answers
Expert Alumni
Mar 9, 2025 10:39:34 AM

Unfortunately, if you do not e-file the federal return, you cannot e-file the state because the federal information is transmitted in the data file with the state tax return.  If you have the desktop (download) version, you could enter manually in the FORMS mode and the information would be transferred to Massachusetts but once again, you would not be able to e-file it.  @juju007 

 

Expert Alumni
Mar 9, 2025 3:41:01 PM

In TurboTax Desktop, you can view and make changes directly to your tax forms. You can do this by selecting the Forms icon.

To switch back, select Step-by-Step (Windows) or EasyStep (Mac). @juju007 

5 Replies
Expert Alumni
Mar 9, 2025 8:17:52 AM

No, you must report all income to determine the tax then apply the percentage of Massachusetts income to the total tax to determine your tax liability.

 

As a nonresident, your exemptions are based on the income you reported.

Multiply your exemption amounts by the Nonresident Deduction and Exemption Ratio. This ratio is your Massachusetts gross income (from sources in Massachusetts), divided by Massachusetts gross income from all sources (as if you were a full-year Massachusetts resident).

Level 2
Mar 9, 2025 9:41:55 AM

Thank you Mary. Very clear.

Is there a place in TurboTax for MA State where I can MANUALLY enter the Total Income Reported on my 1040 (MA-sourced and Foreign) instead of having to do a Mock Federal return with all the details of the real 1040?

 

Thank you again.

Expert Alumni
Mar 9, 2025 10:39:34 AM

Unfortunately, if you do not e-file the federal return, you cannot e-file the state because the federal information is transmitted in the data file with the state tax return.  If you have the desktop (download) version, you could enter manually in the FORMS mode and the information would be transferred to Massachusetts but once again, you would not be able to e-file it.  @juju007 

 

Level 2
Mar 9, 2025 10:51:17 AM

Thank you @MaryK4 

I mentioned that I'm planning on printing and mailing the state return.

My question was more about where in TurboTax can I MANUALLY enter the Total Income (MA-sourced and Foreign) instead of having to do a Mock Federal return with all the details of the real 1040 which is way too many items, Interest, DIV, rental Income, etc. 

Thank you

Expert Alumni
Mar 9, 2025 3:41:01 PM

In TurboTax Desktop, you can view and make changes directly to your tax forms. You can do this by selecting the Forms icon.

To switch back, select Step-by-Step (Windows) or EasyStep (Mac). @juju007