Why is TT automatic choosing "Married filing separately on combined return" for IA state return after I already filled out my federal return as Married filing jointly?

[slyvixen]

TT didn't ask me how I wanted to file my IA taxes - it just launched directly into Married filing separately on combined return.

[MayaD]

It is because filing as "MARRIED FILING SEPARATE ON A COMBINED RETURN" results in a lower tax.

Married Filing Separately on a Combined return is recommended for the married couple with double income (both spouses work).

If you need to change your IA filing status, revisit the state return and the screen  Do Any of These Situations Apply?  there is a checkbox for "I need to change or verify my Iowa filing status".