You should be fine filing your New York return on paper.
According to the state’s E-file requirement for individual taxpayers page:
You're required to electronically file your return if you meet all three of the following conditions:
- you use software to prepare your own personal income tax return; and
- your software supports the electronic filing of your return; and
- you have broadband Internet access.
You’ve stated very well the case that you can’t e-file your New York return – which goes to bullet number two, that the software doesn’t support the e-filing of your return.
I understand your concern with having “time-consuming exchanges with bureaucrats,” but it’s not likely that they want to waste their time arguing a position they can’t prove – that you could’ve electronically filed your return, given your W-2 issue.
I suggest filing your state return by mail and attaching a letter stating what you’ve said here. And it wouldn’t do you any harm to actually print this Community page, with the URL visible, and attach it to your return, as well. That would show that you’ve done your due diligence – you’ve tried to e-file, and been in contact with the software provider.
@akrupitsky
