While it is true
that New York normally "requires" taxpayers to e-file, there are certain
exceptions to this policy; for instance if you are unable to use the TurboTax software to transmit an
e-file New York return, then you don't absolutely have to e-file your New York return. One reason this might occur is if you selected the paper-file option for your federal tax return. In that case it will simply not be possible to e-file just your state return alone (this includes New York).
Thus, despite New
York's mandate for e-filing, you still have a couple of reasonable
filing choices, including a state-based internet tax return submission
site, as well as the option to paper file. We also have a TurboTax
Frequently Asked Questions webpage (at the link
below), with some helpful details and which explains those options for
New York, and provides the internet address for the New York stand-alone
web-file option:
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901383-is-there-a-penalty-if-i-don-t-e-file-my-new-york-return
Probably
the easiest thing to do, however, is to simply ignore the New York
e-file directive and instead print
and mail your state return to New York, along with signed copies of
Pages 1 and 2 of your Form 1040 (or 1040A or 1040EZ). Here is a link to
the valid, official, New York mailing addresses that you can use for
this paper filing purpose:
https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/file/return_assembly_mail.htm
You will not be penalized, in a monetary sense, for paper-filing your New York return, despite what the New York Department of Taxation and Finance indicates.
If you've tried to amend your New York tax return, and did not intend to do so, please mail (
i.e., paper-file) the New York tax return you originally printed.
Thank you for asking this important question.
