After filing your federal tax return, most states require a separate state income tax return. Nine states have no income tax. This guide covers how to file your state return for the most popular states: California, Texas, New York, and Florida.
- Completed federal Form 1040
- W-2 and 1099 forms
- State tax ID number (for business filers)
Check if your state has income tax
No income tax states: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming. If you live in these states, you do not file a state income tax return (though Washington has a capital gains tax above $262,000).
California: File via CalFile or tax software
California taxes are complex — highest rates in the USA (up to 13.3% for incomes over $1 million). Use FTB.ca.gov to file via CalFile (free for simple returns) or import your federal return from tax software like TurboTax or H&R Block.
New York: File via NY.gov Free File
New York has federal-state return linking. Visit tax.ny.gov and use Free File if your income is below $79,000. New York City residents pay an additional NYC income tax (3.078%–3.876%). File NY state return even if you also file in another state as a non-resident.
Use your federal tax software for most states
TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, and FreeTaxUSA all support state returns for a small fee ($0–$45). Your federal data imports automatically. Review the state-specific questions about residency, deductions, and credits.
File by the state deadline
Most states use April 15, matching the federal deadline. Some states have different dates: Hawaii (April 20), Iowa (April 30). Check your state’s revenue department website for the exact deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — you must file a non-resident return in the state where you worked and a resident return in the state where you live. Most states have a credit to prevent double taxation, but you must file in both.
File a return in the correct state (where you actually worked) and claim a refund from the incorrect state. You may also owe tax to the correct state. This often happens with remote workers whose employer withholds their home-office state.