We were married in August, 2013. Wife lives, works and owns a home in Michigan. Husband lives, works and owns a home in Virginia. Can we file a MFJ federal return and file MFS for him in Virginia as well as for myself in Michigan? I am using Turbo Tax. Wondering if this is legal and if so, how do I make it work with Turbo Tax? Should I attempt to file the two different states first (MFS) and then the MFJ federal return? Can this even be done? Any help is appreciated. Couldn't find any info on the IRS website.

#1;correct; most states require that you have the same filing status as on your fed return. However if your spouse resides in a different state, you might be required to file a mfs state income tax return.

#2;as mentionedabove; I guess you need some tech help from TT vendor.

#3;it depends;aslongas you have just one or two W-2s, no other income and no IRA deduction, there is no reason you can't file your state tax return first without calculating the fed income tax. In this case, your taxable income is the same as your W-2 income.however, aslongas you have biz income, IRA deductions, a health savings account, student loan interest or other income / deductions appearing on the front page of 1040, then,you need to at least work out your taxes on 1040 first. This will assure that your agi is correct before you file your state returns for you/your spouse, most states use your agi on 1040 to calculate the state income taxes.




Can this even be done? Any help is appreciated. Couldn't find any info on the IRS website=========as mentioned above it depends;I guess you can check it with IRS/ dept of rev of your state.