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Best Practices for Domestic Partner/Civil Union Returns

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📊 Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare separate Federal returns

Use this when you need to file for each domestic partner.

Prepare and e-file separate Federal returns for each domestic partner.

Step 2: Choose the primary taxpayer

Use this after both Federal returns are accepted.

Once both Federal returns have been accepted, decide which domestic partner will be the primary taxpayer.

Step 3: Open the primary taxpayer return and load Form 1040X

Use this to start the combined return workflow.

Open the Federal return for the primary taxpayer and load Form 1040X.

Step 4: Understand how SureFire handles the original return

Use this to ensure you keep the correct records.

Even though you are not truly amending the return, SureFire Install Version will

keep a copy of the original return. Please note that SureFire Web Version does not

keep a copy of the original return. You will need to print a copy of the original

return for your records.

Step 5: Load the preparer use form

Use this to add the correct preparer use information.

Load the Preparer Use Form, listed as Prep Use in the Find a Form list.

Step 6: Add a taxpayer reminder note for next year

Use this so SureFire can remind you to remove the second taxpayer next year.

In the Taxpayer Reminders section, enter a note explaining that this return is

for a domestic partnership/civil union. When you run proforma next year and

start the new return, SureFire will display your note. You will then be

reminded to remove the second taxpayers information from the return in

order to file the Federal return.

Step 7: Add the secondary taxpayer information

Use this to include the second partner’s details on the combined return.

Add the secondary taxpayers information to the return (Main Information sheet, W-2, etc.)

Step 8: Load the state return and complete necessary forms

Use this to prepare the state filing.

Load the state and complete any necessary forms.

Step 9: E-file (or paper file) the state return

Use this to determine whether your state allows e-filing.

E-file (or paper file) the state return. See the table below to determine whether the state allows e-filing.

Tags: federal,form