How to file joint federal return and separate state returns online?

[antoniorocha]

I have done this process last year using the desktop version, but I had to file the state tax via mail. I'm currently outside of US, so I'm looking for a way to file the joint federal and the separate state tax online.

The following page says it is possible to make it online, but it does not say how

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-prepare-a-joint-federal-return-and-se...

Can anyone help on that?

[KathrynG3]

It is best to use the TurboTax CD/Download. Otherwise, purchase TurboTax Online for each of you. Since the federal return will be filed jointly, to file the state separately, mock returns are needed and this process is even more cumbersome trying to use TurboTax Online.

To switch, see: How do I switch from TurboTax Online to the TurboTax software?

[antoniorocha]

@KathrynG3 thanks for replying. I have one more question.

I did prepare the federal MFJ under my user and I did mock federal MFS and the state return under my wife’s user.

So how can I file my wife’s state tax w/o filing the MFS federal under her user?

[VolvoGirl]

You have to mail her separate state return.  Did you also make a 3rd account for your separate state return?  Don't think you can use the federal Joint account.

If you need to file a Joint federal and separate state returns

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-prepare-a-joint-federal-return-and-se...

Reading the FAQ it looks like you have to use 3 accounts.  One to file the Joint return.  Then you each need another account to fill out fake federal MFS returns to do your separate state returns.    So you will have to PAY for 3 online accounts (3 federal returns and 2 state returns).  That's why it's cheaper to use the Desktop installed program.    If you don't have a computer to install the desktop program on maybe it would be cheaper and easier to go to a local accountant or tax place.

[antoniorocha]

I live and work for Texas so I don’t have to file state taxes.

Also as explained before, using the desktop version mentioned by you, I need to mail the state tax and I’m outside US now, so I want to do everything online.

My goal is to file our federal MFJ under my user and her state IL taxes only under her user.

[VolvoGirl]

Yes we understand that.  But in Online or Desktop you will have to MAIL her state return.  

[antoniorocha]

Yes, I know. The problem is that to file her state return, the federal MFS goes together, and that is what I’m trying to avoid

[VolvoGirl]

Huh?  You have to print and mail her state return.  Just don't print her federal or don't mail it.  Sorry but you can not efile her state return.  No way around it.  

[antoniorocha]

I did read again your message. If that is the case there is no point of doing it online. An agent said I could file it online, that is why I’m trying. Are you sure it has to be mailed anyway?

[VolvoGirl]

Yes mailed.  You can only efile a state return if the federal was first efiled and accepted from the same account.  The filing rules are the same for Desktop and Online versions.  Have you filed the joint federal yet?  

You can not efile state if you are mailing federal or before efiling federal.  And you won't be filing the separate federal at all.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/e-file/help/can-i-e-file-my-state-return-before-my-federal/00/2554...

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

Oh....according to that link you can efile a separate state return if you did it in the joint federal account.  So if you did her state in the same account as federal it might work.  But I think the separate state return would have to be for the primary person listed on the Joint return.  

[antoniorocha]

Yes that is a good point. I have been always the primary on our federal MFJ. I don’t know what the impacts are if I make her the primary one.