Can I submit my state return now, and wait for my state refund and THEN submit my federal return?? I owe the feds and am getting a refund from the state.

[mikepalma]

Bottom line-I want to use a portion of my state refund to pay what I owe the feds.

[VolvoGirl]

Yes but you have to print and mail state.  Which might take a while to get the refund.  I would go ahead and efile both federal and state now.  Say you will mail a check for federal tax due.  Then you can mail a check later or pay the IRS online.  But remember the tax due is due by April 18.  

[xmasbaby0]

You will not be able to e-file your state return until you file your federal return.   A state return cannot be e-filed unless the IRS has accepted your federal return.  What you can do is e-file them both now, but when you e-file the federal, say that you will mail a check to pay the federal tax due.  Then you have until April 18 to pay the tax due to the IRS.  So hopefully you receive the state refund before then and use it to pay the federal tax due.

[capngary82]

Sure, you could do that. But .... the Federal tax is due 15 Apr.  You might not see that state refund before the federal taxes are due.

[xmasbaby0]

@capngary82 Federal tax is due April 18, not April 15.   If the above user does not go ahead and file the returns and get the state refund, how are they better off than if they did not try that tactic?  

[jerryseeley]

You can e-file both the Fed and State returns.  You can direct debit the Fed balance due from your checking account and indicate the date you want it debited to your account ie before April 18th.  Hopefully by then you will have received your state refund.