I moved to NY midyear and married after I moved to NY. I couldn't be sure if I need to file state taxes separately or if I can file jointly. My spouse doesn't work.

[TomK2023]

In nearly all cases, you must use the same filing status that you used on your federal return. If you did not have to file a federal return, use the same filing status that you would have used if you had filed. Same-sex married couples see Personal income tax information for same-sex married couples.

The only exceptions to this rule apply to married individuals who file a joint federal return and:

• one spouse is a New York State resident and the other is a nonresident or part-year resident. In this case you must either:
  • file separate New York State returns using filing status ③; or
  • file jointly, as if you both were New York State residents, using filing status ②.

New York State Department of Taxation and Finance: Filing Status