You don’t have to pay $40–$50 just because your tax prep software wants to charge you. Even if you already filed your federal return through TurboTax, H&R Block, or another platform — you can still file your STATE return separately and for free.
This guide shows you exactly how.
Why File Federal and State Separately?
Because:
- Federal filing is often free
- State filing is where the companies charge
- You can bypass them completely
- States WANT you to file directly with them
In many cases, filing directly through your state system is faster — and more secure.
Step-By-Step: How to File Your State Return Separately
Step 1: File Your Federal Return
You can file federal using:
- IRS Free File
- TurboTax
- H&R Block
- FreeTaxUSA
- TaxAct
- Any other platform
Once accepted, you will have:
- Your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
- Wage numbers
- Deduction totals
- Dependent information
Keep your federal return PDF copy handy.
Step 2: Get Your Federal Return PDF
Download the final version of your federal return (1040).
This document contains:
- full income numbers
- withholding amounts
- credit totals
- personal filing info
You’ll need this to manually enter values into your state form.
Step 3: Go to Your State’s Official Revenue Site
Every state has an official tax website.
Examples:
- California: ftb.ca.gov
- New York: tax.ny.gov
- Illinois: revenue.state.il.us
- North Carolina: dornc.com
- Virginia: tax.virginia.gov
Search:
“[State name] file state tax online free”
BEWARE OF LOOK-ALIKE SITES.
Use ONLY .gov domains.
Step 4: Create a State Filing Account
Each state has its own authentication process.
You will typically need:
- SSN
- Prior year AGI or refund amount
- state ID or driver’s license
- email address
Once logged in, choose:
“File Individual Income Tax Return”
Step 5: Manually Enter Your Federal Tax Numbers
Your state software will ask for:
- Federal AGI
- Federal tax withheld
- Total income
- Total credits
- Withholding amounts
These come directly from:
- Form 1040
- W-2
- 1099 forms
You enter them once — just like a preparer would.
Step 6: Complete State-Specific Questions
States may ask about:
- residency
- local income tax
- commuter tax
- school/municipality tax
- special state deductions
- military status
- rental income
- unemployment benefits
Answer truthfully.
Your federal return helps verify your numbers.
Step 7: Choose Direct Deposit or Check
If your state gives a refund:
- Enter routing & account number
- Otherwise request a paper check if needed
Or — if you owe — choose electronic payment.
Step 8: Submit the State Return
Once submitted, you’ll receive:
- confirmation number
- filing receipt
- estimated refund timeline
- processing date
Your state refund often arrives faster than when using third-party commercial software.
States That Offer Completely Free Direct Filing
These states currently offer free state filing portals:
- California
- New York
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Virginia
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Colorado
- Wisconsin
- Kansas
- Iowa
- Michigan
And more are moving to adopt free systems.
If your state doesn’t have direct filing, your alternative is IRS Free File through a partner that includes state filing at no cost.
Why Tax Companies Don’t Want You Doing This
Because they lose the state-filing revenue stream.
State filing fees are:
- 100% profit centers
- psychological lock-ins
- triggered at the end of the filing process
They don’t want you to know:
You can legally file your state return somewhere else — for free.
Common Questions
Q: Can I file state before federal?
No. The state return requires federal numbers first.
Q: Can the state reject my return if I didn’t file federal with them?
No. States don’t care what software you used for federal — only that it was filed.
Q: Will filing separately delay my refund?
No. If anything, it may speed it up.
Q: Do I have to start over?
No. You copy numbers from your 1040 — you’re not re-doing the entire return.
Tax companies love charging $40–$50 for state returns.
But you are not forced to pay that.
You can:
- file federal anywhere
- take your federal return info
- use your state’s official site
- file state for free
This is the insider strategy smart filers use — and now you can too.
