Here you'll learn about state-specific e-filing information and instructions.

Select a link:

About e-filing a state income tax return

• How do I contact my state taxing authority?
• How do I view specific e-filing information about my state?
• Which states allow e-filing?
• How many state returns can I e-file?
• Will TurboTax Online automatically e-file my state return?

E-filing a 2007 state tax return

• What is the cost to e-file a 2007 state tax return?
• How do I check the e-file status of my state return?
• How do I sign my e-filed state tax return?
• What tax forms do states accept for e-filing?

To contact your state taxing authority, you'll first need to refer to 2007 State Information and select the link to your state. Look for the Contact Information section.

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You can view e-filing information for a particular state from the same place you can view state contact information as described above. See 2007 State Information and select the link to your state. Look for the Electronic Filing section.

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Most states support e-filing. However, the requirements can vary depending on whether your federal return has been filed and/or accepted. Here's a breakdown of state e-filing requirements.

Independent states

Independent e-filing states maintain their own e-file processing systems, which lets you e-file your state return separately (independently) from the federal return. In fact, you can even e-file these state returns if you didn't e-file the federal return.

The five independent states are:

• California
• Illinois
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota

Also, DCNs (Declaration Control Numbers) for these states differ from the federal DCNs.

JELF states

Unlike independent states, Joint ELectronic Filing (JELF) states rely on federal e-filing processing equipment to process their returns. Therefore, DCNs for JELF states are the same as the federal DCN.

There are three (3) kinds of JELF states:

• "True" JELF states require that the state return is e-filed at the same time as the federal return:
  • Arkansas
  • Hawaii
  • Oklahoma
• "Preferred" JELF states require that the federal return has already been e-filed and accepted before they can be e-filed:
  • North Dakota
  • South Carolina
• "Regular" JELF states only require that the federal return has been e-filed, but it does not need the ACCEPTED status. The remaining states not mentioned above fall into this category.

States that don't support e-filing

• New Hampshire
• Tennessee

States that don't have an income tax

• Alaska
• Florida
• Nevada
• South Dakota
• Texas
• Washington
• Wyoming

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You can e-file up to three state returns for each federal return. To learn how, see File a Second State Return. If you require additional state returns, you can print and mail those in excess of three. See Print and Mail Your Return.

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No. TurboTax Online does not automatically file any return unless you select the option to e-file the return. See the instructions below to learn how to e-file your state return. If your state requires that you file your federal and state returns together, you must still select the option to e-file your state return in addition to your federal return.

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You'll e-file your state income tax return in the same way as you e-file your federal income tax return. Always make sure that you follow the on-screen instructions in the TurboTax Interview when e-filing your tax returns.

Before you e-file your state income tax return, make sure that you review the following:

• If you live and work in separate states, see Filing State Returns When You Live and Work in Separate States.
• To determine if your state allows e-filing and whether you are required to e-file your state return at the same time or after you e-file your federal return, see Which states allow e-filing?

When you're ready to e-file your state income tax return, go to How to E-file to learn how to send your state return electronically (either with or without your federal return).

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Open your tax return in the TurboTax program, select the Print & File tab at the top, then select Check E-file Status.

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the e-filing process for your state return.

Please note that state tax return acknowledgments usually take about five days from the time you e-file your state tax return until it is ACCEPTED or REJECTED by the state taxing authority. During this period of time, you'll see a "Pending" status in the TurboTax program. This is normal.

Also note that some states are taking longer to acknowledge e-filed tax returns. If your tax return is not acknowledged after five or more days, please contact your state taxing authority.

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When e-filing most state returns, you must complete and mail a signature form after your e-filed state tax return is accepted. This requirement applies to most states, but some states do not require a signature form.

1. Once your state return is accepted, follow the on-screen instructions in TurboTax Interview to print your state e-filing paperwork.
   • When you print your e-filing paperwork, the state signature form and e-filing instructions are included.
2. Verify that your Declaration Control Number (DCN) printed your state signature form. The DCN is the confirmation number that is assigned when your return is accepted.
   • If the DCN did not print on your state paperwork, you'll need to enter it yourself. Check the status of your return in the TurboTax program and copy the DCN from the acceptance message onto your state signature form
   • If the state and federal DCNs are the same, see The state and federal DCNs are the same below.
3. Sign the state signature form and follow the instructions that printed in Step 1 above.
4. Mail the e-filing paperwork to the state tax agency.
   • The mailing address is included on the instructions or on your printed tax return. Or, for state mailing information, visit the IRS web page Where to File Addresses.

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Each state allows certain forms and schedules to be electronically filed, while some tax forms are not authorized for e-filing and must be printed and filed by mail.

Note: If you are e-filing your state return and get a message indicating that the taxing authority did not release a particular form in time, this could mean that there is a form(s) in your return that your state does not allow to be transmitted electronically.

 

To find a list of the state forms and schedules that are accepted for e-filing, see 2007 State Information and select the link to your state. Look for the Electronic Filing section.

If your tax return includes forms or schedules that are not accepted for e-filing, you cannot e-file your state tax return, but will need to print and file it by mail. See Print and Mail Your Return.

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It depends on which TurboTax 2007 product you use to prepare your state income tax return.

TurboTax Online 2007

If you use TurboTax Online 2007 (i.e. preparing your tax return over the Internet), the e-filing fee is included in the price of using the TurboTax program.

TurboTax 2007 CD/Download

If you use TurboTax 2007 desktop software for Windows or Mac, the cost is $17.95 for each tax return you e-file. An e-filing fee is separate from the cost of a TurboTax state tax product.

The cost of e-filing a 2007 tax return is not included in the cost of the TurboTax desktop software. You are charged an e-filing fee for each income tax return (federal return or state returns) that you e-file:

For example, if you e-file one (1) federal and one (1) state return, you will be charged for two (2) e-filed tax returns. These e-file charges will be reflected in your credit card statement. In addition, the e-filing fee may be subject to your state sales tax.

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