Do I have to file my Maryland return using the same status as my federal return?
Generally, if you file a joint federal return for 2025, you must file a joint Maryland return. Married couples who file joint federal returns may file separate Maryland returns if one spouse is a resident (either full year or part-year) of Maryland and the other spouse is a nonresident of Maryland.
If you do decide to file your Maryland return with a different filing status, you'll need to set up two other accounts to file your Maryland return using FreeTaxUSA. You'll need to select the Married Filing Separately filing status in each new account and enter income information separately on each account. You'll then file each of your separate Maryland returns using those accounts. Don't file your federal return on those accounts unless you want to file as Married Filing Separately for federal purposes as well.
If either you or your spouse didn't earn any income, only the one who earned income will need to file a Maryland return.
If you do decide to file your Maryland return with a different filing status, you'll need to set up two other accounts to file your Maryland return using FreeTaxUSA. You'll need to select the Married Filing Separately filing status in each new account and enter income information separately on each account. You'll then file each of your separate Maryland returns using those accounts. Don't file your federal return on those accounts unless you want to file as Married Filing Separately for federal purposes as well.
If either you or your spouse didn't earn any income, only the one who earned income will need to file a Maryland return.
