There’s no restriction on being married and filing jointly with different state residences. As long as you and your spouse are married on the last day of the year, the IRS counts you as married for all 12 months. If, say, your divorce becomes final December 31, you file as single for the entire year.

Can you file jointly for federal and separately for state?

If taxpayers need to file using one filing status on the federal form (i.e. married filing joint), and a different filing status on the state form (i.e. married filing separate), it is not possible to have this conflict in filing statuses between the federal and state forms in one return.

Why would married couples file taxes separately?

Though most married couples file joint tax returns, filing separately may be better in certain situations. Reasons to file separately can also include separation and pending divorce, and to shield one spouse from tax liability issues for questionable transactions.

Which is the best Tax Guide for couples?

Read our couples tax guide to find out what being in a relationship means for your tax return. Who the ATO defines as a couple for tax purposes is a common cause of confusion. Once you’re familiar with the definitions, you can determine what, if any, extra pieces of information you need on your tax return this year.

When do same sex spouses have to file their taxes?

For tax year 2012, same-sex spouses who filed their tax return before Sept. 16, 2013, may choose (but are not required) to amend their federal tax returns to file using married filing separately or jointly filing status.

Where to find information on complex tax topics?

For help, see: IRC Section 1031 (Cornell Law) Our telephone assistors will answer all non-complex capital gains questions. However, we will not do complex calculations for you such as calculating actual basis in complex situations. International Boycotting Income – for help, see: Form 5713, International Boycott Report

How are practice questions prepared for tax examination?

The PRACTICE QUESTIONS have been prepared by competent persons and the Institute hopes that it will facilitate the students in preparing for the Institute’s examinations.