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Best Practices for Domestic Partner/Civil Union Returns

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📊 Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare and e-file separate Federal returns

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

Step 2: Decide the primary taxpayer

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

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

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

Even though you are not truly amending the return, Sure-Fire Desktop will keep a copy of the original return. Please note that Sure-Fire Online does not keep a copy of the original return. You will need to print a copy of the original return for your records.

Step 4: Load the Preparer Use Form (Prep Use)

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

Step 5: Add the taxpayer reminder note

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, Sure-Fire will display your note. You will then be reminded to remove the second taxpayer’s information from the return in order to file the Federal return.

Step 6: Add the secondary taxpayer’s information

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

Step 7: Load the state and complete any necessary forms

Load the state and complete any necessary forms.

Step 8: E-file (or paper file) the state return

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

• California — e-file allowed
• Massachusetts — e-file allowed
• Connecticut — e-file allowed
• New Jersey — e-file allowed
• District of Columbia — e-file allowed
• New York — e-file not allowed, must paper file
• Hawaii — e-file not allowed, must paper file
• Oregon — e-file not allowed, must paper file
• Illinois — e-file not allowed, must paper file
• Vermont — e-file not allowed, must paper file

Tags: federal,form,state