Question

Married Filing Jointly but live in different states

Forum|Forum|5 years ago
January 21, 2021
1 reply
0 views

My Wife and I are permanent residents in Florida and have filed jointly for the past few years. I took a new Job based in North Carolina in mid 2020 but worked remotely from Florida for the second half of the year. From my research, I believe that since we both lived in Florida for more than half the year, we won't be on the hook for NC state taxes (even though the company I worked for is based in NC).

However, in January 2021, I am moving to a small apartment in NC and will be splitting my time between NC and FL. My wife will be staying in FL for the majority of the year. I will probably be spending more than 183 days (half the year) in NC whereas my wife will be spending more than half the year in Florida.

For the 2021 tax year, will we still be able to be considered Florida residents and not pay NC state taxes since my wife will not be living in NC?

J

JoannaB2

Yes, for tax year 2020, you and your spouse may file federal income tax return as Married Joint. Florida doesn't have state income taxes.

Yes, for tax year 2021, if your income exceeds filing requirements thresholds, then you will need to file North Carolina state income tax. Since you moved to North Carolina in January 2021 and spouse was still in FL, then you will need to file North Carolina State income tax return as Married Filing Separate. North Carolina allowed joint return only if both are residents or earning income in North Carolina. See North Carolina filing requirements link.