In the TaxAct^® program, the federal information you enter flows to the attached state return(s). Because of this, you can't have a singular TaxAct return with different filing statuses for federal and state returns. If you want to use different filing statuses for your federal and state returns (example: married filing jointly for a federal return, and married filing separately for a state return), you will need to create multiple returns in the TaxAct program. There is an exception for states that allow a combined return with a filing status of married filing separate.

Married filing jointly for a federal return, and married filing separate for a state return:

• Create a TaxAct return and complete the federal Q&A as married filing jointly, do not add a state return, and file this federal return before you file the state returns.
• Create a second TaxAct return and complete the federal Q&A for yourself as married filing separately, add a state return, and file only the state return.
• Create a third TaxAct return and have your spouse complete the federal Q&A as married filing separately, add a state return, and file only the state return.

Married filing separate for a federal return, and married filing jointly for a state return:

• Create a TaxAct return and complete the federal Q&A for yourself as married filing separately, do not add a state return, and file this federal return before you file the state return.
• Create a second TaxAct return and have your spouse complete the federal Q&A as married filing separately,do not add a state return, and file this federal return before you file the state return.
• Create a TaxAct return and complete the federal Q&A as married filing jointly, add a state return, and file only the state return.

Related Links

• Consumer Editions - E-Filing Just the State Return Without the Federal Return
• E-File a State Return Only - Professional Editions
• MFJ vs. MFS - Federal and State