Yes. You can file them separately. Although state returns can be e-filed with your federal return (or after your federal return has already been accepted), it's no longer possible to e-file state returns before the federal.
They are taking this measure to add an extra layer of security to all e-filed state returns.
This new requirement also means you won't be able to e-file your state if your federal return was, or will be, paper-filed.
You can file federal now and skip state filing, but your e-filed federal return will need to be accepted before you can e-file your state (or, you can just paper-file your state return later. More info)
Here are two ways to skip your state in TurboTax Online:
Method 1 doesn't require up-front payment for your state, but you'll have to re-enter your state information. Method 2 saves the work you did on your state return but requires up-front payment.
Hi,
While filing for my taxes on here. I mistakenly chose the option to get the refund (both federal and state) combined to my bank account. It turned that this option is costing me 40$ on Turbo tax.
How can I delete this option? i.e. I don't mind getting my both refunds separately so I can file for free on Turbo tax? Please advise.
As long as you haven't filed yet (or you e-filed, but got rejected), you can change your refund method.
First of all you can never get them combined. Federal and state refunds come separately from different places at different times.
You misunderstood. You can only have the fees for federal and state deducted from your federal refund. That’s all. That doesn’t affect when the IRS or state send it to you. Its just convenient to have the fees for both deducted at the same time. And you pay an EXTRA 39.99 Refund Processing Service charge (44.99 in California) to have them deducted. Which actually might add a day or two to get your refund after the IRS sends it. Or you can pay with a credit card to avoid the extra charge.
How to remove the Pay with Refund fee
With the Federal tax due date being moved to July 15, 2020, how can I file my state return before federal?
A lot of states also have extended to July 15, 2020.
You can file state before Federal but you have to mail state.
You have to use a different account.
If you need to file a Joint federal and separate state returns
Reading the FAQ it looks like you have to use 3 accounts. One to file the Joint return. Then you each need another account to fill out fake federal MFS returns to do your separate state returns. So you will have to PAY for 3 online accounts (3 federal returns and 2 state returns). That's why it's cheaper to use the Desktop installed program. If you don't have a computer to install the desktop program on maybe it would be cheaper and easier to go to a local accountant or tax place.
Online is only good for 1 return per account. But you can use the same email address for 5 accounts. How to start another return in the Online version
Or buy the Desktop CD/Download program here
Hi,
This is my first time filling online so I am running into trouble.
I filed my federal return on an efile website that was not turbotax but it did not give me the option to file my state return on that site so I decided to use turbotax to file my MN state return. I am getting an error message stating that due to my federal return already being filled it cannot file my return on TurboTax. Is there any way to send only the state return in? My federal return application was accepted already so there is no way for me to cancel it.
Remember if you pay with credit card there are no additional fees.
For E-filing one and not the other:
The answer is a yes and a no, depending on which you wish to E-file now and wait for the other.
You cannot E-file your State Return before your Federal E-file has been accepted.
If you wish to E-file only your Federal now and wait on your State, you can do so. However, you need to make sure you make the correct filing elections in the "Filing" section AND also make sure that you've received notice via email that your Federal Return has been accepted. Otherwise, if your Federal Return has not yet been accepted by the IRS then your State will not be accepted by your State.
Hello, my federal e-file taxes were accepted by the IRS but when I go back and try to e-file my state taxes, they are still trying to charge me? why?
If you already paid your applicable fees and are being prompted to pay again please contact us.
Some products require a fee to e-file a state or a state tax return product. Please see these links for more information:
Compare TurboTax Online Products
I have the desktop version and I filed my federal before my State taxes. My federal was accepted, but when I go now to file my State return it says I must choose my federal return. Even though the federal has been accepted. What do I do?
Are you using the Desktop program? Sign up on this new error FAQ
I'm having the same problem -- can't get Turbotax to incorporate the federal return that was accepted electronically by the IRS. When prompted to file the state alone, I'm prompted to click a back button does no more than send me into a loop without being able to add the already transmitted federal return. Turbotax has failed, at least when dealing with my state.
Please see this Turbo Tax FAQ for more information.
Why am I not able to e-file my state return after filing my Federal return?
Hello, @SForrestLO
I paid for TT online for federal & state filing but I would like to file for federal now and save state for later but the software is not giving me any options to delete state or to save it for later, do you know when this will be fixed?
Thank you,
Teresa M.
File Federal now and skip state for later
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/state-taxes/help/can-i-file-my-federal-taxes-now-and-skip-my-state-for-later/00/26250
@teresamorgan0301969 wrote:
Hello, @VolvoGirl
I have tried to do this and no luck, but thank you.
Teresa M.
Assuming that you are using the TurboTax online editions, you can change how the state return is filed in the File section of the program on Step 3
So the only way to bring up the Change Filing Method option is to select File by mail? That's pretty confusing, dontcha think? I used the 2020 IRS Free File version to complete both Federal and State. I wanted to transmit Federal today, but wait a few weeks to transmit State (in case the new American Rescue Plan tax waiver trickles down to the states). So of course I chose "I want to e-file"; in the Free File version Step 3 even says "Get ready to save and file. Choose which returns to file. We're not filing your taxes just yet." But it never gives you that option. It immediately jumps to "Let's take one last look at the returns you're filing", then "TRANSMIT RETURNS" on bottom right. Both returns. No option to File Later for State. Maybe this only happens in the Free File version, but it shouldn't make a difference. Just sayin'.
If you want to wait to file your state return at a later time, please follow the instructions here @MarycatPhoenix.