- How to prepare an RDP Return
How do I prepare a married state return if I am in a Registered Domestic Partnership (RDP), civil union, or same-sex marriage?
Some states (California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Vermont) legally recognize RDPs, civil unions, and same-sex marriages. However, the federal government does not.
That’s why it’s necessary for you and your partner to prepare and complete three separate federal returns: two single returns (one for you and one for your partner) to file with the IRS, and one married return to file with the state. Here's how:
When you begin your single federal return, TurboTax will ask if you were married during the tax year. Select Registered Domestic Partnership to indicate an RDP, civil union, or same-sex marriage.
Now complete and file your single federal return for the IRS. (If you start a state return, TurboTax will tell you that it’s not the right time to do that, and that you should instead file your federal return.)
Next, your partner will complete and file his or her single federal return.
After finishing your two separate federal returns, prepare your married federal return for the state. Select a link below, depending on your version of TurboTax.
If you are using the desktop version of TurboTax (recommended):
- Open your TurboTax federal return (the one you already completed and filed with the IRS).
- From the File menu, select Save As.
- In the Save Tax Return window, enter a different file name, and then select Save.
- Go to the Personal Info section and confirm that you are in a RDP, civil union, or same-sex marriage. Also indicate if you are filing as either married filing jointly or married filing separately.
- Enter your partner’s personal information when TurboTax asks about your spouse.
- If filing as married filing jointly, include your partner’s tax information as you prepare and complete this return.
- Once this return is done, continue on to your state return. You will see confirmation that this is your married state return.
- Prepare your married state return and include your partner’s tax information (if filing as married filing jointly).
- Finish this return and file it with your state (by mail or e-file).
If you are using the online version of TurboTax:
- Save and end your current TurboTax session.
- Create a separate user ID.
- Start a brand-new federal return and re-enter your information.
- In the Personal Info section, be sure to indicate that you are in a RDP, civil union, or same-sex marriage. Also indicate whether you are filing as married filing jointly or married filing separately.
- Enter your partner’s personal information when TurboTax asks about your spouse.
- If filing as married filing jointly, include your partner’s tax information as you prepare and complete this return.
- Once this return is done, continue on to your state return.
- Prepare your married state return and include your partner’s tax information (if filing as married filing jointly).
- Finish this return and file it with your state.
Note: If you use TurboTax Online and you started a state return after finishing your individual federal return, you’ll need to delete that return before you file your federal return. Otherwise, you’ll be charged for that incomplete state return. To delete the state return you started but did not complete:
- Select Your State Returns under the Personal Info tab.
- This will take you to Your State Return Status.
- Under Action, select Delete.
- Then select Done With State. This will take you to Print & File.
After you file your individual federal return, follow steps 1-9 above.
