Using TurboTax to Prepare and File Your Individual State Tax Return

TurboTax Online

TurboTax Online lets you prepare returns for up to 5 different states. Click here and we'll show you how.

If you're one of a handful of taxpayers that need to prepare returns in 6 or more states, you can either:

• Switch to TurboTax software, which lets you prepare returns in as many states as you need; or
• Prepare the remaining states by hand or other alternative method.

Did you know you can prepare and even e-file your state return free of charge through many state Department of Revenue websites? Click here for a links to your state's website.

 

TurboTax CD/Download Software

The easiest way to get your state software is to download it through TurboTax. Click one of these links for complete instructions:

• Download TurboTax State (Windows)
• Download TurboTax State (Mac)

You can also purchase TurboTax state software directly from our online store. But remember – if you're using the Deluxe, Premier, or Home & Business versions, you're entitled to one free state, so follow the download instructions above to avoid having to pay for it.

What if you download the wrong state? It happens. Fortunately, we have a solution for that.

One more thing – you can prepare returns for as many states as you need in TurboTax software versions. However, you can only e-file returns in up to 3 states for each e-filed federal return. The remainder will have to be filed the old-fashioned way, by printing and mailing them.

For questions about state pricing, state forms availability, and deleting your state return, try the links in the Other articles to try section in the left sidebar.

Other common state questions and issues:

• Filing multiple state returns
• Filing a nonresident state return
• Filing a part-year state return
• Why does TurboTax add income from a non-income tax state?
• E-file your state tax return
• When will I get my state tax refund?
• Entering estimated tax payments
• Calculate next year's estimated state taxes
• Removing an amended state return
• Printed state forms look odd

Let's face it. Although the States are United, each state likes to do things its own way – especially when it comes to taxation.

This raises a myriad of questions from our customers, like:

• How much can I deduct for the Virginia College Savings Plan?
• Do I have to file an Ohio CCA city tax form?
• What if I don't receive a 1099-HC?
• Where do I enter the ad valorem vehicle deductions?
• Kansas doesn't tax military retirement pay, so why is it showing up as income in TurboTax?

We can't possibly answer thousands of state-related questions in this article, and we're not even going to try. But we'll direct you to three resources that will help you find the answers.

1. TurboTax Live Community

Live Community is an outstanding resource, not only for answers to state-related tax questions, but also for problems with your state return. In fact, Live Community is usually where we first hear about state-related "bugs," from customers like yourself.

In most versions of TurboTax, you'll see Live Community on the right side of your screen. If you don't, or if you are prompted to sign in but would rather not, you can view the questions and answers by visiting https://ttlc.intuit.com/app/full_page. Go to the Preparing Your State Return(s) section and choose your state.

You don't have to sign in to benefit from Live Community. But we do encourage it and hope you'll share your knowledge, questions, tips, and tricks with others in the Community.

2. TurboTax Program Help (software versions)

Don't forget about the TurboTax Program Help built into the program. TurboTax displays context-sensitive help which is tied to the particular screen you're on.

Click the blue Help Center (Windows) or Help (Mac) "question mark" icons in the upper right corner of your TurboTax screen for help with that screen. We also have "learn more" or "more info" hyperlinks on many screens, which link to additional details about what that screen is asking for.

3. Department of Revenue Websites

Every state that collects income tax has its own website. They won't be able to help you with TurboTax problems, but if you are looking for tax information straight from the source, give your state's department of revenue website a look.

There you'll find FAQs, forms and their instructions, bulletins, and contact information. Many states now allow you to look up the status of your state tax refund check online. Click here for links to all 45 state websites. If you aren't sure where to go once you get to the site, look for the word "individual taxes" or similar to navigate to the right place.