In the United States, most people find it quite difficult to file taxes. Some of them wonder if they can file state taxes without filing federal taxes. Some question whether federal taxes are more important than state taxes. Both of these taxes have their pros and cons. Each State has its own set of taxes and tax brackets, while every State’s resident pays federal taxes. In this article, you will learn about filing state and federal taxes individually. Also, check out Beem to get a quick and accurate estimate of your federal and state taxes and get the maximum refund.
Can I File My State Taxes Before My Federal Taxes?
Yes, you can file state taxes before you file federal taxes. This option is beneficial, as you can use your state tax refund to pay for federal tax liabilities. It is applicable only if you file a tax return by mail. If you use the e-file method to file your taxes, this does not allow you to pay state taxes before your federal taxes.
It is possible to complete the state return without the information from the federal return if you have sufficient time to receive the refund. It is generally required to file your federal return before filing your state return when using e-file programs.
What If My Federal E-file Is Pending?
You must file your federal return first if you are filing both your federal and State returns online. It is recommended that you keep your state e-file pending until the IRS accepts your federal e-file.
Which States Do Not Allow ‘State Only’ Filings?
The information you fill in state returns also gets listened to on the federal returns information. You must enter your national return information like you were preparing a federal return. Finish filing your federal return and add the appropriate state returns.
Some states will only let you file a state return if you file a federal return. These states include:
Can I Create a State Only to Return and Mail It?
Yes, you can file a state-only return and mail it. Follow the instructions given below:
- Select State
- Add State Return
- Select Continue
- Select Residency Type
- Select Continue. Enter the required information and select Exit Returns to save changes.
Can You File State Taxes and Not Federal?
Yes, you can file state taxes and not federal taxes, but by mail only. Your account will pay a federal tax preparation fee even if you select the state-only return. However, some states still require you to file Part-year or nonresident returns to be mailed. You can collect maximum information about your state policies from the official website.
People who have already filed federal returns can also select the state-only option while filing for tax returns. However, it is not recommended that you file for only state returns, as federal taxes must be paid on time. You are eligible for a high fine if you fail to file federal taxes.
Also, find out whether you can get financial aid or not without filing Taxes.
Can I File a State Return on TaxACT?
TaxACT’s state modules do not operate independently. Software from the federal government is needed to run them. Before preparing your state return, you must prepare your federal return with TaxACT. It is the federal return that provides all the data for the state return.
When filing your state income tax, if your State is a “PiggyBack” state like Arkansas or Kansas, you must print and mail your state return. When completing the filing process, select ‘State Only’ for all other states. Please follow these instructions if you do not see an option for filing only your state return when filing your federal return:
- Print Return can be accessed by clicking the Blue Filing tab.
- Select Federal Only from the following menu.
- You can then click Print Return on the paper filing screen. Click Your Federal Return in the dialog box that appears.
- To close the print preview, click Close/Cancel at the top of the screen.
- If you click on the Filing tab again and select E-File My Return, you should now only see the option to file the state return electronically.
Tax filing can seem cumbersome, but it’s good to remember that online tax filing software options like Beem are available to help. Be sure to submit your payment and return by the tax deadline to avoid penalties.
