Re: How do I do the federal return as MFJ but one state MFS and another state as MFJ

TaxGirl11 · ‎04-06-2025

I have a taxpayer that would benefit from MFJ for federal. The taxpayer and spouse married during the year and the spouse needs to file half year with OH (needs to be MFJ) and as part year resident for IL (so it makes sense to file MFS). How do I tell Lacerte to do this? It doesn't give the option to choose filing status for the state returns. If I did another return for just state, then how would it efile without federal?

Karl

I had this for a client a couple of years ago, married mid-year, moved states to marry. I think this is how I did it:

I prepped a MFJ return, then split the returns, so I had three client files (joint, husband, wife).

I e-filed fed only on MFJ (don't delete the states, just uncheck e-file on Screen 1 as if you'll paper-file state). Then I did the reverse on the two MFS files, unchecked fed as if I'd paper file it, and e-filed states only.

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