My wife and I live in Ky. Can we file Married Filing Separately on our Federal return and Married Filing Separately on a combined return for Ky taxes?

[draewell]

I went through at first as Married Filing Jointly as recommended for Federal, then MFS on a combined return for State. I then went back and changed my Filing status just to see, and suddenly I no longer had a Federal debt, and my return for Ky was about $2,000 more.

[CarolynM]

You can file Married Filing Jointly (MFJ) or Married Filing Separately (MFS) both your federal and state returns. You can also file your federal as Married Filing Jointly, but your state Married Filing Separately.

Generally, it is better to file the federal tax return as MFJ. However, when it comes to the state of KY (this particular state), it is best to file with whatever status gives you the best tax refund.

For more information, follow this link: Married Filing Jointly v Separately