Spouse 1: MD, Spouse 2: MI->MD

Xemnosyst
Xemnosyst Member Posts: 1 Newcomer
in Filing my taxes

I got married in 2024. I lived in Michigan until the marriage, then moved to Maryland.

My spouse was in Maryland for the whole year.

I've seen similar posts for different states, which showed helpful state-specific information. What should I know, and what's the best way to file in my situation?

Thank you

Answers

  • CoryF
    CoryF FreeTaxUSA Agent Posts: 198

    Hello, Xemnosyst.

    This first year of Married filing can be complicated when more than one state of residency is involved.

    FreeTaxUSA automatically uses the same filing status with the Federal tax return and the states for both MD and MI when all filed within the same account. However, the least costly tax strategy would be to file Married Filing Jointly on the Federal tax return and remove any states from your order on the main account.

    Both of you will want to file Married Filing Separately (MFS) for both MD and MI so that only your incomes are taxed in these two states this first year. This will require you to create multiple FreeTaxUSA accounts.

    You will start each separate account as MFS for your personal information and filing status. Add only your income to the Federal screens. This information will transfer to the state return(s). As the taxpayer in this answer, you can file as a part-time resident of MI and MD based on your move out/in date. You only need show the income received in either state based on your income sources earned as a resident. When you complete the state screens, you will move on to the Final Steps and pay for the MI and MD state returns. You will need to select the option to submit these returns (Federal, MI, and MD) by mail as you will have already e-filed your federal return in your main account. (Our software only allows state returns to be e-filed in the same account as an e-filed federal return.) When you move to print, you will skip the Federal tax return and only print, sign, and mail the MI and MD state returns, following the instructions provided by FreeTaxUSA.

    Your spouse will follow the same steps as above and file MFS on the MD return.

    This is only necessary for this first tax year as Married. The next year, it will be easier if you remain living in the state of MD.

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