Taxes can feel like a labyrinth, can't they? Especially when you're just trying to tackle your state return. Many people wonder if they have to do their federal return first on TurboTax, or if they can just jump straight into state. The good news is, while TurboTax is designed for the information to flow from your federal return to your state return, you can navigate it to file your state taxes even if you've already handled your federal return elsewhere, or if you're only required to file state.
Let's break down how to just file state taxes on TurboTax, step by step, ensuring you get it right!
A Quick but Important Disclaimer:
While this guide provides comprehensive steps, tax laws are complex and vary by state. Always refer to the official TurboTax support resources and, if in doubt, consult a tax professional. This guide focuses on the process within TurboTax, assuming you have a clear understanding of your state tax obligations.
 |
| How To Just File State Taxes On Turbotax |
Navigating TurboTax for State-Only Filing: A Step-by-Step Journey
QuickTip: Read actively, not passively.
Step 1: Setting the Stage – Getting Started with TurboTax
Alright, let's kick this off! Have you already started your tax return on TurboTax, or are you opening it up fresh for just the state filing?
If you're starting fresh:
Head over to the TurboTax website or open your desktop software.
You'll likely be prompted to start a new return. Select this option.
TurboTax will typically guide you through the federal section first. Don't skip this! Even if you've filed federal elsewhere, you'll need to input enough federal information for TurboTax to accurately calculate your state return. Think of it as providing the necessary foundation.
If you've already started a federal return on TurboTax but haven't filed it:
Simply sign in to your TurboTax account and continue your return.
You'll proceed with completing the federal section as usual.
If you've already filed your federal return elsewhere (e.g., with an accountant, another software) and now just want to file state with TurboTax:
This is where it gets a little nuanced. You cannot directly prepare a "standalone" state return for e-filing without having a corresponding federal return within TurboTax.
However, you can still use TurboTax to prepare your state return for printing and mailing. To do this, you'll need to enter your federal information into TurboTax as if you were filing federal, but you won't actually e-file the federal return through TurboTax.
This is a crucial point: TurboTax uses your federal Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and other federal calculations as the starting point for your state return. Without that federal data, it can't correctly process your state taxes.
Step 2: Completing Your Federal Information (Even If You've Already Filed Federally)
Yes, you heard that right. Even if your federal return is done and dusted, you'll need to input the relevant data into TurboTax to enable accurate state tax preparation.
Tip: Jot down one takeaway from this post.
The "Why": State tax forms often begin with your federal Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). TurboTax is designed to flow information from your federal return to your state return, making the process smoother and reducing errors.
What to Input: Focus on accurately entering your W-2s, 1099s, and any other income forms. If you have deductions or credits that impact your federal AGI, enter those as well.
No Need to E-File Federal (If Already Filed): Once you've completed the federal section to the point where TurboTax has calculated your federal AGI and other necessary figures, you do not need to e-file the federal return through TurboTax if you've already filed it elsewhere. You'll simply proceed to the state section.
Step 3: Diving into Your State Taxes
Once your federal information is complete (or sufficiently entered for the purpose of state calculation), you'll be able to access the state section.
Locating the State Section:
In TurboTax Online, look for a State tab or section in the left-hand navigation menu or at the top of the screen.
In TurboTax Desktop, there's usually a clear State Taxes tab.
Adding Your State (If Not Already Added):
If you haven't selected your state yet, TurboTax will prompt you to add a state. Select the state(s) you need to file in. Remember, you might need to file in more than one state if you lived or worked in multiple states during the tax year.
The Guided Interview:
TurboTax will then walk you through a series of questions specific to your state's tax laws. Pay close attention to these questions. They will cover things like:
Residency Status: Are you a resident, non-resident, or part-year resident of this state? This is crucial, as it determines how your income is taxed.
Income Sourcing: If you worked in a state where you're not a resident, you'll need to determine which income is taxable by that specific state. TurboTax will guide you on how to allocate income.
State-Specific Deductions and Credits: Your state may have deductions or credits that differ from federal ones. TurboTax will prompt you to enter information for these.
Be thorough and honest with your answers. The accuracy of your state return depends on it.
Sub-Heading: Handling Multiple State Filings (If Applicable)
If you worked or lived in more than one state, TurboTax can help you manage multiple state returns.
Tip: The details are worth a second look.
File Non-Resident First: If you have non-resident state returns (meaning you earned income in a state where you didn't reside), TurboTax often recommends completing these before your resident or part-year returns. This helps ensure proper credits for taxes paid to other states.
Credit for Taxes Paid to Other States: Many states offer a credit for taxes paid to another state to prevent double taxation. TurboTax will typically calculate this automatically once you've completed all relevant state returns. This is a significant benefit of using software for multiple state filings.
Step 4: Reviewing Your State Return
 |
Once you've answered all the questions for your state(s), TurboTax will compile your state tax return.
The "Review" Section: TurboTax has a built-in review process. Do not skip this!
It will check for common errors, missing information, and potential deductions or credits you might have missed.
Pay close attention to any warnings or suggestions. They are there to help you ensure accuracy.
Comparing with Federal (Mentally, if Filed Separately): If you filed your federal return elsewhere, take a moment to compare the income figures and key data points TurboTax used for your state return with your already-filed federal return. They should align.
Step 5: Filing Your State Return
This is the moment of truth! You have a few options for filing your state return with TurboTax.
Reminder: Take a short break if the post feels long.
E-Filing (Electronic Filing):
This is the recommended method. It's faster, more secure, and provides quicker confirmation of acceptance.
Important Note: You can only e-file your state return through TurboTax if your federal return, prepared by TurboTax, has been accepted by the IRS. If you prepared your federal return elsewhere, you cannot e-file your state return directly through TurboTax.
If your federal return was accepted via TurboTax, simply follow the prompts to e-file your state return. You'll likely pay a separate fee for state e-filing (unless your TurboTax product included it or you qualify for free state filing).
Print and Mail:
If you're unable to e-file (e.g., because your federal return was filed elsewhere), you'll need to print your state tax return and mail it to the appropriate state tax agency.
TurboTax will provide clear instructions on where to mail your return. Make sure to sign and date your return where required.
Keep a copy for your records! This is vital for any future reference or audit.
Sub-Heading: Understanding State Filing Fees
TurboTax typically charges a separate fee for filing state returns, especially if you're using a paid federal product.
Free State Filing: The TurboTax Free Edition may include free state filing for very simple returns (e.g., those using only Form 1040 without many schedules). Always check the specific terms of the edition you're using.
Paid State Filing: For most other TurboTax products, expect a fee for each state return you file. These fees can vary.
Avoiding E-File Fees: If you're using a desktop version of TurboTax, sometimes you can avoid the e-file fee for your state return by printing and mailing it instead. However, you'll still pay for the preparation of the state return if it's not included in your federal product.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to:
How to file just state taxes on TurboTax if I already filed federal elsewhere?
You will need to re-enter your federal tax information into TurboTax to create the necessary foundation for the state return. However, do not e-file the federal return through TurboTax. Once the federal data is entered, you can proceed to prepare your state return and then print and mail it.
How to avoid paying for the federal section on TurboTax if I only need to file state?
Unfortunately, TurboTax's system is designed to use federal information as a base for state returns. While you won't e-file the federal return (if already filed elsewhere), you will likely still need to purchase a TurboTax product that allows you to prepare both federal and state, or at least enter the federal data.
How to find the state tax section in TurboTax?
After completing or sufficiently entering your federal tax information, look for a "State" tab or section on the left-hand navigation bar or at the top of the screen in TurboTax Online. In the desktop software, there's usually a dedicated "State Taxes" tab.
How to file multiple state tax returns on TurboTax?
Once you've completed your primary state return, TurboTax will often prompt you to add another state if you've indicated income or residency in multiple states during the federal interview. Follow the guided interview for each additional state.
How to get my state refund faster with TurboTax?
The fastest way to receive your state tax refund is by e-filing your state return and choosing direct deposit for your refund.
How to pay state taxes owed through TurboTax?
During the filing process, if you owe state taxes, TurboTax will give you options to pay, usually including electronic withdrawal directly from your bank account or instructions on how to mail a check.
How to get a copy of my state tax return from TurboTax?
After filing, you can access and print copies of your filed returns from your TurboTax account under "Your Tax Returns & Documents."
How to amend a state tax return filed with TurboTax?
If you need to make changes to a filed state return, TurboTax typically offers an "Amend" option within your account. You'll go back through the relevant sections, make corrections, and then file an amended return (usually by mail).
How to contact my state's tax department for questions about my return?
TurboTax provides links and contact information for state tax agencies within its program and on its support website. You can also find this information directly on your state's Department of Revenue or Taxation website.
How to determine if I need to file a state tax return?
Generally, if you live in a state with income tax and meet certain income thresholds, you'll need to file. If you earned income in a state where you don't reside, you likely need to file a non-resident return for that state. TurboTax's initial interview questions will help determine your filing requirements based on your entered information.
 |
