Which version of tax forms to use

[digidave3]

I'm going to mail 1040 tax forms to my state. Which of the available forms should I use - the cryptic form with a bar code on it or the standard form?

[BillM223]

I don't know what "the cryptic form with a bar code on it " refers to.

Why are you sending 1040 forms to your state? Is it because you have printed and are going to mail your state return, and the state wants copies of your federal forms (like the W-2 or Schedule A)?

If so, then send them the copy that is clearly readable. It's not very likely that the state - whatever state it is - is interested in what the bar code is.

[digidave3]

I guess that I didn't formulate my question too well. Sorry! Please let me try that again. Firstly, my state does not require that I send a copy of my federal tax return to them. In the process of printing out my state tax return, I get 2 versions of the forms that I am submitting by mail. One is the "standard" form with numbered lines/boxes in which you write your numbers and words.  The other version does not have places to fill in numbers. There is a bar code at the bottom of the first page and we are warned not write anywhere on the pages because they are read by machine. Since I always use TurboTax to submit my federal returns, I don't know which version is actually transmitted electronically. So my question to you is which version of the state forms should I use? Thanks in advance for answering my question.

[AmyC]

First choice is a print out showing a filled in state return with a bar code. Second choice, filled in state return.