For a state return, you can only e-file your state return if you e-file a federal return. If you don't e-file a federal return, you'll have to purchase the software that you prepared the return in and then have to print and mail your state return. The state program pulls information from your federal return, so TurboTax State is not sold as a standalone tax-preparation product. You can use TurboTax to prepare and file your federal return without your state – but not the other way around.
Even if you don't owe any federal taxes, if you have taxable income and meet gross income requirements here Do I need to file a federal return this year? you may want to file a federal return.
So here are the two options you have for filing just a state return if you choose to not file federal.
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Contact your State Department of Revenue or visit their website to use their tax-filing service or to download and print out their tax forms; or
- Re-create your federal return in the TurboTax software or TurboTax Online but don't file it. Then prepare and file your state return using TurboTax.
- You'll need to paper-file your state return, as state returns cannot be e-filed separately.
The first option is free; the second option requires payment for both federal and state returns, even though you won't be filing your federal.
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