Whether you have to file state taxes depends on a few factors. In some cases, you may not be required to file state taxes if you only lived in the state a short time or if your income is below a certain level. Each state has its own rules, so it’s good to review the details for where you live and work. Show
In this article, we’ll provide an overview of situations that can help you determine if you are required to file state taxes. If you want to skip ahead to the rules for your state, you can find that list at the bottom of this page. When do I have to file state taxes?Not everyone has to file state taxes. Typically, the need to file is triggered if you live in a state (see below) and you meet certain criteria. Let’s review of few of those common situations.
Are you required to file state taxes if you don’t live there?If you lived in a state for an entire year, there’s no question about your residency status. But what if you moved during the year? Or, what if you were not a resident at all and you just have wage or other income from the state? Let’s go over a few scenarios when you have to file state taxes, possibly in more than one state.
Note: These types of income are also sourced to your resident state regardless of where it’s earned. However, your resident state will generally allow a credit against state income tax for the income taxes paid to another state on the same income. Which states don’t have income taxIf you live or work in one of the states below that don’t have income tax, you won’t need to worry about filing a state tax return for that state.
Note: New Hampshire and Tennessee are two additional states with the lowest taxes — at 0% for income taxes on earned income, but they do tax dividend and interest income. That said, you may still need to file a state return for those two states. Find details about when you have to file state taxesVisit the revenue department websites for the state(s) where you live and work to find current details on when you are required to file state taxes. The states with no income tax are listed above and are not included here. AlabamaArizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky LouisianaMaine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina Tennessee Utah Vermont Virginia West Virginia Wisconsin Get help with your state tax returnWhether you make an appointment with one of our knowledgeable tax pros or choose one of our online tax filing products, you can count on H&R Block to help you get back the most money possible. Related TopicsPersonal tax planning Dependents Filing online Credits
Related ResourcesFiling for a Deceased Taxpayer If you need help handling an estate, we're here to help. Learn how to file taxes for a deceased loved one with H&R Block. Don’t Overlook the 5 Most Common Tax Deductions From retirement account contributions to self-employment expenses, learn more about the five most common tax deductions with the experts at H&R Block. New Baby, New House or New Spouse? How Major Life Changes Affect Your Taxes Getting married? Having a baby? Buying a house? Go through your life events checklist and see how each can affect your tax return with the experts at H&R Block. Spring Cleaning: Your Household Goods, Your Tax Deductions Donating household goods to your favorite charity? Learn the ins and outs of deducting noncash charitable contributions on your taxes with the experts at H&R Block. Can I file federal and state at different times?If you pay for the state return along with the federal return, you can elect to file the state return at a later time.
Can I file state return without federal return?If you're planning to file paper forms for both your federal and state returns, you can file your state return before your federal return. You may be considering this option if your goal is to use your state refund to pay for your federal tax liability.
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