State Return

[garrapatta]

Hello, Dear Experts!

In 2023, for the whole year I lived in CA, my husband from whom I separated (not legally) lives in Utah. I am planning to file Married Filing Separately. I own a house in Utah that I rent out. 

1. Can I file federal Married Filed Jointly but state Married Filed Separately?

2. Do I need to file two state returns since I owe a home in UT and it is a rental? 

3. What version of Turbo Tax do I need to use? I'd like to file electronically. 

4. I went to UT a couple of times to do some repairs and updates on the rental. Can I write off my travel? I would like to buy a laptop to help me run my rental? I do not have a property management. 

Thank you so much in advance!

@MaryK4 

@GeorgeM777 

@ErnieS0 

[TomK2023]

1. California doesn't allow you to file MFJ on your Federal return and then MFS on your state return, with the exception of active-duty military and certain nonresidents. Before proceeding further, make sure this is allowed by your state's tax laws.

2. You must file a California tax return as a resident; file a Utah tax return as a non-resident.  Always complete the nonresident return first if filing in multiple states because your resident state might give you a credit for any taxes paid in that situation.

3. You should use TurboTax Desktop version Home and Business to do this because you'll only need to pay for one TurboTax product (you can file up to five returns).

4. Yes, you can deduct your travel expenses for traveling to Utah to make repairs on your rental property.  Please see this helpful TurboTax FAQ for more information: What kinds of rental property expenses can I deduct?

Please see this helpful TurboTax FAQ for more information: Where do I enter income and expenses from a rental property?

[garrapatta]

Thank you!

@TomK2023 

[garrapatta]

@TomK2023 You mentioned using TurboTax Desktop version Home and Business, could I also use TurboTax Desktop Premier? Thank you! 

[VolvoGirl]

Yes you can use Deluxe or Premier.  All the Desktop programs have all the same forms and features.