In the TaxAct program, all information entered on the federal return flows to the attached state return(s). If taxpayers need to file using one filing status on the federal return (e.g. Married Filing Jointly), and a different filing status on the state form (e.g. Single), it is not possible to have this filing status conflict between the federal and state forms in one return.

To accommodate for this situation, taxpayers would need to prepare multiple returns in TaxAct. An example of how taxpayers would file jointly for federal purposes and separately for state purposes is as follows:

TaxAct Return #1 - Spouse A prepares a federal return with filing status Single, including just their information. Attach a state module to this federal return so the separate federal information will flow to the state return. File this State return.

TaxAct Return #2 - Spouse B prepares a federal return with filing status Single, including just their information. Attach a state module to this federal return so the separate federal information will flow to the state return. File this State return.

TaxAct Return #3 - Combine both spouses federal information from Return #1 and Return #2 in a new return with the filing status Married Filing Jointly. This federal return would be filed.

A copy of all three federal forms should be maintained for documentation.  The state returns may need to be paper filed, since many states do not allow the state return to be efiled without the Federal return.