State Tax Returns, Deadlines, Extensions
State income tax returns can differ significantly depending on where you live. Some states, like Florida and Texas, don't have any income tax at all, which simplifies things for residents there. Other states have more complex systems and may require different forms and procedures.
For detailed information about each state's tax requirements, check out the page on states and taxes or use the navigation below. You need to file your state and federal tax returns together online by Tax Day in April. If you miss this deadline, you can still e-file until the October deadline, but after that, you'll need to file by mail.
Can I File State Taxes Online?
State Income
Tax Returns
Important: On eFile.com, you can prepare and e-file your federal tax return for the 2023 year along with all state income tax forms and schedules. Here’s how it works:
- Federal and State Returns Together: Most states, except California, require that state income tax returns be e-filed together with your federal income tax return for the current year. This means you can’t e-file a state return unless you are also e-filing your federal return.
- Preparing State Returns Separately: eFile.com does allow you to prepare state tax returns for the current year separately if you are not e-filing your federal return. However, you won’t be able to e-file these state returns unless you e-file your federal return at the same time.
- Reason for the Policy: This policy is set by the IRS and state tax agencies to ensure accuracy and data verification since tax data is often shared between the federal and state agencies.
- Consequences of Rejection: If your federal return is rejected, your state returns are likely to be rejected as well.
By preparing both your federal and state returns together on eFile.com, you avoid the need to mail any forms.
Prepare, File State Return(s) Only
How to File a State Tax Return or Extension?
Below is a navigation questionnaire that allows you to easily pick the right route to either:
- Prepare and eFile your state income tax return(s).
- Prepare one or more state income tax returns online and mail them.
- Check on the tax refund status for a given state.
- Find out how to prepare a state tax extension.
- Prepare and file a state tax amendment.
- Pay state taxes online - this can serve as a state extension as well.
- Calculate your income taxes by state
- Check and compare state tax brackets.
Selection your question for a detailed answer which includes links to related topics.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the tax deadline?
- State Tax Deadlines: Most states have the April due date for tax returns, similar to the IRS, but this may vary. All your state income tax returns should be e-filed by the same April date as the IRS return to assure timely filing.
- IRS Deadline: The IRS return is due by April 15 and state returns should be e-filed by the same date. For a comprehensive e-filing experience, use the eFile platform to file your state taxes along with your federal return.
How do I file my state income tax returns?
- eFileIT Option: Prepare and eFile one or all state income tax returns with your IRS return - eFileIT. eFile.com offers a single low price for all state returns, unlike other services that charge per state.
- Comparison: Save up to $50 compared to TurboTax® or H&R Block® with eFile.com where you pay only $29.95 for all states.
Can I prepare state returns online and mail them?
If you have already e-filed your IRS return on a different website and it was accepted, you can use eFile.com to prepare and mail in - not e-file - your state return(s). This is because state and federal regulations only allow a state return to be e-filed with an IRS return and cannot be accepted otherwise.
- Online Preparation: Use the eFile Tax App to prepare your state returns online. For states like California, you might be able to e-file without e-filing the IRS return, but this is subject to IRS/state policy.
- Mailing Option: If e-filing is not an option, you can prepare state returns online, print them, and mail them to the state(s).
What if I need to file a state tax return extension?
Find out how your state handles tax extensions and whether you need to file an extension for your IRS and/or state tax returns. You generally do not need to file an IRS or state tax extension if you do not owe taxes. Some states have an extension form while others just require you to make a payment. See details on IRS extensions.
How do I handle state tax return amendments?
Learn how state tax amendments work by state. Most states don't accept e-filed amendments, but some use the regular income tax form with an indication of the amendment. Check the linked page for state-specific forms and guidelines.
How do I pay state income taxes?
See how to pay state taxes, often online. These payments can also serve as filing a state tax extension; we recommend paying online as it is simpler, safer, and you get near-instant confirmation.
Where can I find state mailing addresses?
State mailing addresses are listed on each state page. Select the state map below for your state(s) and look toward the bottom of the state page for the mailing address.
When should I file a state resident return?
The type of state return you file is based on where you live and for how long.
- Full-Year Residency: If you resided in a state for the entire tax year, you'll need to file a tax return in that state, assuming they have income taxes.
- Part-Year Residency: If you moved from one state to another, file part-year returns in both states.
- Non-Residency: If you live in one state and work in another, you may need to file a nonresident return for that state. This also applies of you have unearned income from that state.
eFile.com will assist in reporting your change of address during the tax interview.
How do I file state returns if I reside in a state without income taxes?
If you live in a state without income taxes but have income from another state that requires a return, you may need to file a nonresident return. eFile helps figure your state taxes for multiple states; contact us if you need assistance with state returns despite residing in a no-income-tax state.
Where can I find information about state income tax brackets and rates?
For an overview of state income tax brackets, rates, and standard deductions, see our state income tax rates page. State tax calculators are available for all states with income taxes to help you understand personal tax rates and itemized deductions.
Do state payments need to be reported?
How do I calculate state income taxes?
We have free, simple state tax calculators for all states with an income tax code. Start up the needed to and enter estimates or actual figures to get an idea of how your state income tax return may look.
Interactive State Map
Select one or more of the states in the map below to visit a specific state page.
When to File a Nonresident State Tax Return?
You may need to file a nonresident tax return for each state in which you worked, but did not reside. For example, if you lived in one state and worked in another, you will usually need to file a resident return for the state in which you lived and a nonresident return for the state in which you worked.
Here are other situations where you may need to file a nonresident state return:
- You earned income in a state that is not your resident state.
- Your employer incorrectly withheld taxes for a state that is not your resident state.
- You had taxable gambling winnings in a state that is not your resident state.
- You owned rental property in a state that is not your resident state.
- You are in a partnership or are a shareholder in an S-Corporation that is based in a state that is not your resident state.
- You received income from an estate or trust that has interest in a state that is not your resident state.
Did you know? On eFile.com, you can file your resident state return, a nonresident state return, and as many additional state returns as you need for one low price! Compare this to other platforms which charge per state, not one flat rate. You may need this if you live in one state and work in another or if you moved states and earned income in each.
You generally have to file a return for the state where your employer is located, regardless of whether or not you also work there. This applies for remote employees; you will file your state return for the state you live in, or where your domicile is located, and a nonresident return for the state the employer is located in.
Note: This does not apply for remote independent contractors. If you receive nonemployee compensation on a 1099 form, such as 1099-NEC, you only pay applicable state tax for your resident state and any states you physically work in. If you work remotely for a company in another state on contract - you do not receive a W-2 - then you do not have taxes withheld and will instead owe federal taxes, resident state taxes, and self-employment taxes.
How to File One or More State Returns?
This is one of the greatest values offered by eFile.com. When you use eFile, you can prepare as many resident, part-year resident, and nonresident returns as you need based on your situation for one low price. Other popular tax preparation websites charge up to $50 per state return. For a taxpayer who needs to file five state returns, that’s a total of $250 for all those returns, not including federal, versus one low price of $29.95 on eFile.com for all state returns.
- Prepare and eFile a current tax year IRS and one or more state returns and eFileIT. When you e-file with the eFile Tax App, easily prepare your state taxes as you complete the tax interview. Enter your resident state under Name & Address and report any W-2 or 1099 forms with applicable federal and state tax withheld. eFile will generate the federal and state returns based on this information.
- What are the state income tax return deadlines? Find important dates to keep track of as you prepare your taxes during the year.
- Where is your state income tax refund? Visit this page to learn how to check the status of your state refund.
- File your previous year return through the mail if you missed the e-file deadline for federal and/state. See how to file a tax amendment and previous year back taxes resources for information on past returns.
*) Subject to change.
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