Tax e-File FAQ: e-filing your State returns.

Fed/State combined? State-only? Multiple states? Get answers here.

State Returns:

• Can I e-file my State return with eSmart Tax?
• I filed my Federal return elsewhere. Can I submit a State-only return using eSmart Tax?
• Can I e-file multiple State returns?
• I e-filed my Federal and my State return. My Federal return was accepted, but my State return was rejected because of an error in the Tax Statement (W-2, 1099, etc.). I can't make changes to the Tax Statements to revise my State return. What should I do?
• I selected and prepared a wrong State form. How do I revise or choose a different one?

State Specific Information:

• Some State tax withholding information was not transferred from my Tax Statements (1099-G, e.g.). What should I do?
• How do I get an Illinois e-file PIN?
• How do I get my California e-file Customer Service Number (CSN)?
• Where can I look for more information about my State?

Can I e-file my State return with eSmart Tax?  (back to top)

eSmart Tax supports e-filing of all available State returns. You will always start by entering your Federal information first, and then select the State you want to e-file. 

I filed my Federal return elsewhere. Can I submit a State-only return using eSmart Tax?  (back to top)

You are welcome to use eSmart Tax to file one or multiple State returns, even if you have already e-filed your Federal return elsewhere as long as your state supports state-only e-filing. When you start a new return, you need to enter the Federal information first, and then continue on to the State return. When you reach Step 6: File, you will have the choice to Not Send the Federal portion and to e-file the State portion only. 

Click here first to make sure that your state supports state-only returns to be e-filed.  

Can I e-file multiple State returns?  (back to top)

• Yes, you can file multiple State returns easily with one Federal return.
• After you have completed the Federal portion of your return, move on to Step 5: State where you can choose the State form you want to file.
• After you have completed your first State return, you then have the option of choosing another State or continuing on to Step 6: File. All of the State returns you prepared will be listed under the States section.
• Once you have added all of your state returns, move on to Step 6: File.  You can then choose to e-file or not to e-file the Federal and the State returns at the summary page.

I e-filed my Federal and State returns.  My Federal return was accepted, but my State return was rejected because of an error in the Tax Statement (W-2, 1099, etc.). It seems I can't make changes to the Tax Statements to revise my State return. What should I do?  (back to top)

• You are right. An accepted Federal e-file is a sealed record. You can change information in the States section, but not the Tax Statements section of your accepted Federal return.
• You will need to start a new return, enter all Federal information with the correct Tax Statements and file a State-only return.
• If you have chosen eSmart Tax Deluxe, Premium or Signature service, you will be able to clone the Federal return easily to continue with a State-only return.

I selected and prepared a wrong State form. How do I revise or choose a different one?  (back to top)

Under Step 5: State, you can choose and prepare multiple States as well as multiple forms from the same State. Once you reach Step 6: File, you can choose which State forms to submit and check Do Not Send for the incorrect form(s).

Some State tax withholding information was not transferred from my Tax Statements (1099-G, e.g.). What should I do?  (back to top)

Other than entering data at the Tax Statements section, you can enter the information directly at the appropriate line on the State form. Make sure the amount is not duplicated if you do so. Also some States require that State withholding be entered with the Tax Statements section (W-2, W-2G, 1099-R).

How do I get an Illinois e-file PIN?  (back to top)

Please visit https://www.revenue.State.il.us/PINInquiry/Inquiry.jsp to obtain a PIN from IL.

How do I get my California e-file Customer Service Number (CSN)?  (back to top)

You can visit California Franchise Tax Board at http://www.ftb.ca.gov/online/csn/index.html to retrieve your Customer Service Number.

Where can I look for more information about my State?  (back to top)

Although States usually follow the IRS system for e-file, some States have their own unique requirements about forms, information, payment methods or your e-file signature. You can read more about these specific state requirements here.