In turbo tax desktop, how does one file married filing jointly for federal taxes and then do filing married separately for New York?

[VolvoGirl]

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 federal 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.

You will have to mail the 2 separate state returns.   

Online is only good for 1 return per account.  But you can use the same email address for 5 accounts.   How to start another return in the Online version

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-start-another-return-in-turbotax-onli...

Or buy the Desktop CD/Download program here

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download/

[rjs]

If you are both New York residents and file a joint federal tax return you must also file jointly for New York. The only exceptions are a few unusual situations. See Filing status on the New York Department of Taxation and Finance web site.

If you meet one of the exceptions see the first link in VolvoGirl's reply above.