Can I file a joint North Carolina return if my spouse and I have different residency statuses?
Our software currently does not support joint North Carolina returns when spouses have different residency statuses (for example, one is a resident and the other is a part-year or nonresident).
You have two options to file using our software:
If you and your spouse choose to file as Married Filing Separately due to different residency statuses, you will need to set up two separate FREETAXUSA accounts and file your state returns separately.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
North Carolina does have a special provision that allows you to file a joint return when only one spouse is a nonresident with no North Carolina income, however our software does not support this situation.
Itemized Deductions
Itemized deductions (including joint items like real estate taxes or mortgage interest) of a married couple may only be claimed by the spouse who actually paid the amount during the year.
Military Spouse
If you are filing as a part-year or nonresident, military spouse income may be excluded on the Nonresident Income screen.
You have two options to file using our software:
- Use the same residency status for both taxpayer and spouse your North Carolina return, or
- File as Married Filing Separately on both the federal and North Carolina returns.
If you and your spouse choose to file as Married Filing Separately due to different residency statuses, you will need to set up two separate FREETAXUSA accounts and file your state returns separately.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
North Carolina does have a special provision that allows you to file a joint return when only one spouse is a nonresident with no North Carolina income, however our software does not support this situation.
Itemized Deductions
Itemized deductions (including joint items like real estate taxes or mortgage interest) of a married couple may only be claimed by the spouse who actually paid the amount during the year.
Military Spouse
If you are filing as a part-year or nonresident, military spouse income may be excluded on the Nonresident Income screen.
